Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has criticized Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, over his reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “shameful” and politically questionable.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, George said the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling APC suggests deeper political motives beyond ideology or performance.
He faulted Governor Diri’s alleged defection, saying the governor should have shown greater loyalty to the PDP and respect for the people of Bayelsa State, recalling that his emergence as governor came through a Supreme Court judgment.
“It is a shame on him because a rolling stone gathers no moss,” George said. “Something must be attracting them to the APC because what impact has the party had on Nigerians that has made anyone happy? The country’s debt portfolio has risen, people are suffering, and graduates have no hope — so I don’t know what is driving them there.”
The PDP chieftain also suggested that some politicians defect to the ruling party out of fear of being investigated after leaving office.
“Some say after their tenure, they would land in the EFCC, and so what?” he asked.
George, however, commended Diri’s deputy and other Bayelsa PDP leaders for resisting pressure to follow the governor to the APC, saying their decision “sends a strong signal” about the true state of affairs in the party.
“His deputy and some other party leaders say they are not moving with him to the APC. Isn’t that a signal?” he queried.
The elder statesman also weighed in on internal disputes within the PDP in Enugu State, calling for patience over the party’s leadership issues.
“As for Peter Mbah, there was this secretaryship tussle, but we appealed to them to remain patient because Samuel Anyanwu’s tenure will expire by the middle of next month,” he added.