Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he has no intention of defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite the recent exit of his successor, Governor Douye Diri.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Senator Dickson stated that while Governor Diri had consulted with him ahead of his decision to leave the PDP, he personally saw no justification for such a move.
Dickson said he respected Diri’s choice but insisted that he remained firmly committed to the PDP, the platform that, according to him, had provided the opportunity to serve the people of Bayelsa both as governor and now as senator.
“Yes, Governor Diri consulted with me about his intention to leave the PDP. I told him plainly that while I respect his personal decision, I do not see any reason for such defection. For me, I remain in the PDP — that is my home,” the senator stated.
Senator Dickson’s clarification comes in the wake of Governor Douye Diri’s resignation from the PDP earlier on Wednesday, alongside 23 members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and several commissioners in his cabinet.
The mass resignation has triggered intense political reactions within the state and at the national level. Although Governor Diri’s media team did not immediately confirm his next political move, sources close to Government House, Yenagoa, indicated that the governor is expected to formally join the APC in the coming days, marking a significant shift in Bayelsa’s political landscape.
Dickson, who governed Bayelsa State between 2012 and 2020, noted that political transitions and realignments were not new in Nigeria but emphasized the need for politicians to remain consistent and uphold party ideology.
“Politics is about principles, service, and consistency,” he said. “While alliances can shift, I believe in strengthening the party that gave us a platform to serve. The PDP remains a party with deep roots in Bayelsa and the Niger Delta, and I will continue to work towards its growth.”
The senator further expressed optimism that the PDP would bounce back stronger, describing the current wave of defections as “temporary setbacks that will refine and renew the party’s vision ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
“The PDP has weathered storms before — this is not new. What matters is our resolve to reorganize, reconnect with the grassroots, and rebuild public confidence. I’m confident that we will emerge stronger,” he added.
