Amid growing political tension and defection waves sweeping through the South-South region, the Bayelsa State Government has firmly responded to calls pressuring Governor Douye Diri to publicly endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambition.
Speaking in an exclusive with Premium Times, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, made it clear that Governor Diri would not be stampeded into making political declarations that do not align with the interest of the Bayelsa people.> “If the governor decides to support the president, he will announce it himself—and at the right time,” Alabrah stated. “No one can compel him to speak before that moment.
This firm stance comes in reaction to mounting pressure from George Turnah, a former special assistant to Governor Diri, who has since defected and become a vocal supporter of President Tinubu. Turnah, who now serves as the South-South zonal secretary of the PDP and is aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has been actively campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election through his political movement known as The NEW Associates.
During a controversial rally organized by Turnah’s group earlier this year—one Governor Diri openly opposed—Turnah accused the governor of political ingratitude. He claimed that Diri had benefitted more than any other South-South governor under Tinubu’s administration but had refused to openly back the president in return.
Responding to these allegations, Alabrah challenged the substance of Turnah’s claims.> “What benefit is he referring to?” Alabrah queried. “If he means the president ensured a free and fair election in 2023, that’s not a personal favour—it’s a democratic obligation.”He argued that the expectation of political loyalty in exchange for a constitutionally mandated fair election undermines the principles of democracy.
If the president merely allowed a level playing field, how is that magnanimity? That should be standard practice,” Alabrah said.The governor’s spokesman further emphasized that although Governor Diri maintains a respectful and cordial working relationship with President Tinubu, they belong to different political camps—Diri being a staunch member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) while Tinubu leads the All Progressives Congress (APC).
You can’t compel someone to support you or vote for you. Where in a democracy is every governor required to declare loyalty to the president? That’s not how it works,” Alabrah stated.He also took a swipe at Turnah’s role within the PDP, questioning the logic of a party official openly mobilizing for an opposition president.
It’s ironic that a PDP official is demanding allegiance to an APC president. That’s not just confusion—it’s political dishonesty.”Alabrah concluded by reiterating Governor Diri’s commitment to acting solely in the interest of Bayelsa people.
There is no personal issue between the governor and the president. But Governor Diri will act based on what serves the best interest of Bayelsa State—not under pressure from political defectors or external forces.
The developments come amid wider political realignments across Nigeria, as many politicians begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections. But in Bayelsa, one thing appears clear—Governor Diri is charting his path at his own pace, anchored on principle rather than pressure.
Stay tuned to FrontNaija News for more updates on 2027 politics and South-South developments
