Bayelsa PDP Faction Threatens to Expel Governor Diri Over Activist’s Arrest

A fresh political crisis is brewing within the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern ultimatum to Governor Douye Diri. The group is demanding the immediate release of one of its members, political activist and social media influencer Awudumu Reigneth, who was recently arrested following a petition over a controversial social media post.

Reigneth, known for her strong online political commentary, was taken into custody after alleging on social media that Governor Diri was responsible for the shooting incident that occurred during the inauguration of the NEW Associates—a grassroots political movement aligned with Wike and supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement signed by the acting Publicity Secretary of the faction, Derri Alasuote Wright, the group condemned Reigneth’s arrest and described it as politically motivated, a direct attack on freedom of expression, and an act of intimidation against dissenters within the party.

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Faction Draws the Line, Demands Accountability

The pro-Wike faction did not mince words in its response. “We will not stand idly by as the fundamental rights of our members, and indeed, Bayelsans, are trampled upon,” the statement read. “We urge Governor Diri to immediately retrace his steps. Failure to heed our call for the release of Miss Awudumu will compel us to escalate our actions, including considering the option of expelling him from our party.”

This marks a serious escalation in the internal conflict within the PDP in Bayelsa. It not only underscores the growing influence of the Wike-aligned faction but also reveals deep mistrust and animosity between opposing camps within the party’s state structure.

Arrest Tied to Wike’s Grassroots Movement

The faction further claimed that Reigneth’s arrest was part of a broader strategy by Governor Diri’s administration to stifle voices affiliated with Wike’s growing political influence. They pointed out that Reigneth serves as the Director General of the NEW Media Team for the NEW Associates—an organisation gaining prominence in Bayelsa politics.

The group alleged that the Diri government is feeling threatened by the NEW Associates’ increasing popularity and is using state power to suppress its operatives. “Governor Diri is working hard to destroy and kill the PDP in Bayelsa State ahead of his planned defection to the APC, which we are aware is already concluded,” the statement warned.

Allegations of Political Suppression and Dictatorship

This is not the first time Governor Diri has been accused of authoritarian tendencies. The faction recalled past instances, including the sacking of 27 aides from Bayelsa East Senatorial District and the arrest of political commentator John Idumange, as part of what it described as a pattern of political repression.

The statement further described Diri as “dictatorial” and accused him of undermining democratic principles by targeting political opponents within his own party. The group contends that such behavior is damaging to the integrity and unity of the PDP, particularly as the party looks to rebuild its national standing.

Calls for Wider Civil Action

Beyond the party’s internal mechanisms, the pro-Wike faction called on civil society organisations, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens to demand the release of Awudumu Reigneth and defend democratic rights in Bayelsa State.

“The arrest of Miss Reigneth is not just about party politics—it is about the suppression of civil liberties and the right to speak freely in a democratic society,” Wright added. “If this can happen to a young woman with political opinions, it can happen to anyone.”

A Party on the Brink of Division

This latest development exposes the deepening divisions within the PDP, particularly in states where loyalty to national leaders like Nyesom Wike challenges existing power structures. The bold threat to expel a sitting PDP governor from the party underscores how volatile the internal political climate has become, with implications that may affect the party’s cohesion and electoral strategy ahead of the next general elections.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Governor Diri’s response and whether the PDP leadership at the national level will intervene to defuse the tension or let the state chapter settle its scores internally.