A mild drama unfolded at the National Assembly on Thursday as Senator Konbowei Benson Friday, representing Bayelsa Central, announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the senator’s defection letter during plenary, prompting jubilation among APC lawmakers, who greeted the announcement with cheers and handshakes.
In his letter, Senator Konbowei attributed his decision to the “prolonged internal crisis” within the PDP, saying the once-strong party founded by the late Chief Alex Ekwueme and Chief Solomon Lar had “collapsed.” His statement drew laughter from senators across the chamber.
Diri’s Exit Deepens Bayelsa Political Rift
The defection came barely 24 hours after Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri announced his resignation from the PDP, sparking widespread speculation that he might soon pitch his tent with the APC.
With Senator Konbowei’s move, the APC now controls 74 out of the 109 seats in the Senate, strengthening its majority in the upper chamber.
However, the announcement threw the Bayelsa delegation into confusion. Former governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson, reacted angrily to the news, gathering his files and storming out of the chamber as Akpabio read the defection letter.
Attempting to lighten the moment, Akpabio called out to Dickson, saying, “As leader of the Bayelsa Caucus, you should not be absent when such an important letter is being read.” But Dickson, visibly irritated, replied that he had “more pressing matters outside the chamber” before leaving.
ALGON Endorses Diri’s Resignation
In a related development, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Bayelsa State has expressed support for Governor Diri’s decision to quit the PDP.
Addressing journalists in Yenagoa, ALGON chairman and head of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Hon. Lelei Tariye Isaac, cited the PDP’s internal crisis as their reason for backing Diri.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve under the Prosperity Government. We were elected under the PDP, but we stand where our leader, Governor Diri, stands,” Isaac said.
