Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is poised to officially defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant political realignments in Nigeria’s South-South region since 2023.

According to Party sources, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC governors, and members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) are expected to be on hand to formally receive the Bayelsa governor into the ruling party during a high-profile ceremony.

Information has it that Diri, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15, has been in discreet negotiations with key APC figures to finalize his move. The talks, described as “strategic and delicate,” reportedly centered on ensuring a smooth integration of Diri’s political bloc into the APC’s structure in Bayelsa State.

A senior APC insider revealed that the delay in announcing the defection was deliberate, designed to “ensure seamless alignment and prevent internal friction within the state chapter,” particularly as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political observers see Diri’s defection as a major coup for the APC, marking a significant expansion of its influence in the oil-rich South-South, a region that has historically remained a stronghold of the PDP.

The governor’s move also underscores President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to consolidate political dominance nationwide, with several former opposition leaders recently defecting to the ruling party.

With Diri’s entry, analysts say the political landscape in Bayelsa — and the broader Niger Delta — could experience a dramatic shift, potentially reshaping alliances and strategies ahead of the next election cycle.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally handed over Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, for proper induction into the ruling party, marking a major political realignment in the North-East region.

Governor Kefas disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with APC youths and stakeholders held at the T.Y. Danjuma House in Abuja. He revealed that President Tinubu had personally endorsed his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and had introduced him to the party’s national leadership for formal integration.

According to Kefas, the President not only welcomed his move but also described it as a step toward strengthening collaboration between the federal government and Taraba State. Preparations, he said, were already underway for his formal reception into the APC in Taraba, where he would be officially unveiled to party members and supporters.

Speaking after the meeting, Comrade Abubakar Gembo, a prominent APC youth leader, described Governor Kefas’s planned defection as a “major political boost” for the ruling party in Taraba State.

“Governor Kefas informed us of his readiness to join our great party, the APC. He told us he had met with President Tinubu, who received him warmly and handed him over to the national chairman,” Gembo said.

He added that the governor assured youths of inclusiveness and continued empowerment, stressing that Kefas had maintained a youth-friendly governance style even while serving under the PDP platform.

Similarly, Idris Ayuba, Chairman of the APC Youth Vanguard, Taraba State chapter, confirmed that arrangements for the governor’s defection had been concluded at the national level. According to him, only the formal reception ceremonies at the ward, local government, and state levels were pending.

Ayuba called on party members and supporters to rally behind the governor, describing him as a leader committed to youth development, education, and inclusive governance.

In a separate statement, the Vanguard’s Publicity Secretary, Rikwense Muri, affirmed the development, noting that Governor Kefas had met with key APC youth leaders and political influencers to strategize on building a united front capable of driving accelerated development in Taraba.

“Governor Kefas said Taraba can no longer afford to remain isolated from the mainstream of national politics. He explained that his decision to realign politically was motivated by the need to drive greater development, enhance security, and attract more federal presence to the state,” Muri said.

The governor was further quoted as saying, “I am guided by the need to put Taraba first. Our state must take its rightful place in national development, and that can only happen when we work hand in hand with the centre.”

APC youth stakeholders applauded the governor’s decision, commending his courage, pragmatism, and foresight in prioritising the interests of Tarabians over partisan affiliations.

Governor Agbu Kefas was elected in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has governed Taraba State since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. His defection, observers say, could signal a major shift in the political landscape of the North-East, where the APC continues to strengthen its foothold.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is poised for a major political shake-up as at least four sitting governors from opposition parties are reportedly in advanced talks to defect to the ruling party before the end of 2025

A move insiders say could further consolidate APC’s dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), revealed the development in an exclusive interview, naming the governors of Plateau, Taraba, Rivers, and Abia (Labour Party) as those being courted by the party.

According to Arodiogbu, discussions with the governors have reached an advanced stage, and their defection to the ruling party is “highly possible” in the coming weeks.

“It is a possibility that the Plateau governor will join us, likewise his Taraba counterpart. We are also looking forward to receiving Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State into our midst,” Arodiogbu stated confidently.

He further hinted that the defections are expected to take place before the party’s congresses, stressing that the APC is positioning itself as the most organised and dominant political structure in the country.

“These are all high possibilities. We expect that to happen in the coming weeks before our congresses. Most of these defections should happen before the end of the year. Once they do, it will further confirm that the APC remains the dominant and most organised political platform in Nigeria,” he added.

Arodiogbu attributed the growing attraction to the APC to the party’s reform-driven leadership and its open-door policy, which he said have created an inclusive environment for dialogue and participation.

“The truth is that the APC has become a home for all progressives. We are not just expanding in numbers but in quality leadership. Many political leaders now see that this is the platform that offers stability, direction, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s democracy,” he explained.

The APC vice chairman also noted that the party’s leadership under the current national chairman has aligned closely with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which continues to define the party’s policy direction and national outreach.

“The national chairman has made it clear that the APC is not closing its doors to anyone. We are reaching out to people of goodwill who believe in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Arodiogbu affirmed.

Political observers believe that if the anticipated defections materialise, the APC’s numerical and strategic advantage will be further strengthened, giving it a significant edge as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.