October 16, 2025

Okonkwo Wants INEC to Sack Diri Over PDP Exit

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress and Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seat of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, vacant following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Diri, alongside members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, announced his resignation from the PDP on Wednesday, citing “obvious reasons.” The move has fuelled speculation that he may be preparing to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the announcement was made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa. Those present included the Speaker of the House, Abraham Ingobere, his deputy, Michael Ogbere, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance minority leader, Edward Brigidi.

 

Diri said his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders in the state and thanked his supporters for their steadfastness.

 

However, the governor did not mention the status of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who was absent at the meeting.

 

Reacting to the development, Okonkwo stated on Instagram that Diri had automatically lost his position by ceasing to belong to any political party. He cited Section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires that a governor must be a member of a political party and sponsored by it to hold office

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