Bayelsa APC Stakeholders Petition President Tinubu Over Governor Diri’s Alleged Political Ambitions |LAGOS EYE NEWS

A political group, Bayelsa APC Stakeholders’ Forum, has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raising concerns over the ongoing political rift between Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

In the letter, signed by Chief Samuel Yousuo and Elder Ebigoni Gabriel, the chairman and secretary of the forum respectively, the group alleged that Governor Diri’s actions are influenced by a purported promise from northern political leaders to secure him a vice-presidential ticket for the 2027 general election. The group claims Diri has been positioned to run alongside either former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

The letter stated, “Your Excellency, you may recall that our group, Bayelsa APC Stakeholders Forum (BASF), had last year warned about the character of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri. We, the elders, on behalf of the All Progressives Congress stakeholders, had expressed concerns and advised Your Excellency to be wary of any alliance with Governor Diri.”

According to the forum, Governor Diri’s opposition to Minister Wike stems from his alleged commitment to northern leaders who have purportedly assured him of a vice-presidential slot in 2027.

“He is being promoted to pair with either the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Bala Mohammed. This agreement, we have learned, led to his emergence as the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, as he assured those behind his VP bid of securing votes from the region.”

The group accused Governor Diri of mismanaging state resources and prioritizing his political ambitions over governance. They cited his recent announcement of two major projects—a 35,000-seater capacity stadium and a nine-floor secretariat complex—valued at over ₦100 billion, while neglecting existing infrastructure.

“Diri has allegedly embarked on accumulating funds for his 2027 political ambitions. Since his re-election, he has not judiciously managed Bayelsa’s revenue, which has unsettled key government officials. Rather than utilizing resources effectively, he has undertaken white elephant projects while leaving critical state needs unaddressed.”

The letter further accused Governor Diri of betraying key figures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who had supported his rise, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Governor Seriake Dickson, and political heavyweight Chief Timi Alaibe.

“Diri has distanced himself from prominent PDP members who once stood by him. Many PDP stalwarts in Bayelsa no longer align with him. Despite this, he has managed to build connections within your administration, reaching out through key officials such as your Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.”

The group also alleged that Governor Diri has been deceiving Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, while simultaneously negotiating support for other candidates within the state.

BASF urged President Tinubu to take decisive action against what they described as financial mismanagement under Governor Diri’s administration.

“It is on record that the governor has received over two trillion naira in revenue. We are calling on Your Excellency to direct anti-corruption agencies to investigate the Bayelsa State treasury. Reports indicate that state funds are being depleted through questionable contract variations and sand-filling projects worth hundreds of billions of naira.”

The forum also alleged that Governor Diri funded the legal battles of opposition politicians, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi.

“Diri was reportedly financing Peter Obi’s legal team through a former House of Representatives member from Anambra State, who has become significantly wealthy under his administration. This individual even influenced the appointment of a Labour Party representative in Diri’s cabinet.”

In conclusion, the Bayelsa APC Stakeholders’ Forum called on President Tinubu to support APC chieftains in the state, arguing that with proper backing, the party could have secured victory in the last gubernatorial election.

“We trust that you will come to the aid of our state and ensure that Bayelsa is not left in the hands of leaders who prioritize personal ambitions over governance.”

The claims made in the letter are yet to be officially addressed by Governor Diri or his representatives.