Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that has stirred major political reactions across the state and the Niger Delta region.

Diri announced his resignation on Wednesday during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa. He said his decision was made “for obvious reasons” but did not provide specific details.

Several key state officials, including the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and a majority of PDP lawmakers, were present when the announcement was made.

According to his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor’s decision followed “extensive consultation” with political leaders and stakeholders in the state.

Although Diri has not disclosed his next political move, there is growing speculation that he may join the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alignment with ongoing federal policies.

The development has already drawn legal and political reactions. Actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare Diri’s seat vacant, arguing that his resignation from the PDP invalidates his governorship mandate under Section 177(c) of the Constitution.

Diri’s exit is the latest in a series of high-profile defections from the PDP, further weakening the party’s influence in the South-South region. Observers say the move could reshape Bayelsa’s political landscape ahead of the next general elections.