RismadarVoice Reporters
November 2, 2026
Former Bayelsa State Governor and national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has accused his successor, Governor Douye Diri, of surrendering the state’s political structure to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his defection.
Dickson made the allegation during his homecoming activities and the inauguration of the NDC state secretariat in Yenagoa, where he criticised the political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former governor said Diri’s decision amounted to handing over a political mandate secured through years of electoral contests and legal battles to a party his political camp had repeatedly opposed.
Dickson recalled supporting Diri’s political career, including his appointments in the state government and subsequent election to the National Assembly before becoming governor.
He said his decision to support Diri’s emergence was partly informed by the need to sustain Ijaw political representation and promote fairness among Bayelsa’s communities.
The senator representing Bayelsa West also accused the current administration of sidelining political associates who contributed to its emergence.
He alleged that some government appointees had been removed because of their continued association with the NDC, although the allegations were not independently verified.
Dickson further questioned the benefits Bayelsa had received from the APC-led Federal Government, citing concerns about infrastructure development, economic opportunities and federal representation in the Niger Delta.
Despite the disagreement, he urged supporters to avoid violence and personal attacks, describing Diri as a brother with whom he now had political differences.
Reacting to the criticism, an aide to Governor Diri said the administration would not engage in a public exchange with the former governor, maintaining that Bayelsa residents should assess the government’s performance.
The governor’s Technical Adviser on General Duties, Miriki Ebikibina, also criticised Dickson’s remarks and urged him to exercise restraint.
Ebikibina questioned the former governor’s position, recalling political support Dickson had received from former President Goodluck Jonathan and other stakeholders.
He urged opposition figures to focus on development policies rather than personal disagreements.
Meanwhile, NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi, who attended the party’s activities in Yenagoa, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over economic hardship, insecurity and inadequate public services.
Obi also called on Tinubu to abandon his 2027 re-election ambition, while outlining his party’s proposed priorities in security, education, healthcare and job creation.
The exchanges reflect growing political divisions in Bayelsa as parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
