Former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, has accused his successor, Governor Douye Diri, of betraying the people of Bayelsa by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dickson, who spoke during his recent homecoming visit to Bayelsa, alleged that Diri handed over the state’s political structure to the APC despite benefiting from years of political support and backing from him and other PDP leaders.
The senator recalled that he played a significant role in Diri’s political journey, claiming that he supported his emergence as governor after helping him secure other political positions, including membership of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
He expressed disappointment that Diri eventually abandoned the political platform that brought him to power, describing the defection as a betrayal of the trust and sacrifices made by party leaders.
Dickson also accused the state government of intimidating, harassing and victimising individuals associated with his political camp.
Despite his criticism, the former governor urged his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid personal attacks against Diri, whom he described as his brother and political associate.
Reacting to the allegations, a media aide to Governor Diri said the governor would not respond to Dickson’s comments, maintaining that the administration was focused on governance rather than political exchanges.
The disagreement comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Dickson now leading the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and mobilising support for the party and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
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