A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has threatened to expel Governor Douye Diri from the party over the arrest and detention of one of its members, Miss Awudumu Reigneth.
Reigneth, a social media influencer and political activist, was reportedly arrested following a petition over her social media post alleging that Governor Diri was responsible for the shooting at the inauguration of the NEW Associates, a pro-Wike political group, last month.
The arrest sparked fresh tensions within the Bayelsa PDP, threatening efforts by the PDP national leadership to foster reconciliation in the party.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by its acting Publicity Secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, the pro-Wike PDP faction condemned Reigneth’s arrest, describing the charges—reportedly including cyberbullying—as trumped up.
The group demanded her immediate and unconditional release.
“We will not stand idly by as the fundamental rights of our members, and indeed, Bayelsans, are trampled upon. 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 options of expelling him from our party,” the statement read.
The group also alleged that the arrest was politically motivated due to Reigneth’s affiliation with the NEW Associates, a grassroots political structure supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and loyal to Wike.
They accused the Diri administration of targeting members of the group and attempting to destroy the PDP in Bayelsa ahead of the governor’s alleged plan to defect to the All Progressives Congress.
“She serves as the Director General of the NEW Media Team of the NEW Associates,” the group stated. “These anti-democratic credentials of Governor Diri are becoming a concern to the PDP in Bayelsa State. 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 group accused Diri of being dictorial and suppressing dissenting voices, referencing his past decision to sack 27 aides from Bayelsa East Senatorial District and the earlier arrest of social commentator Dr. John Idumange, as part of what it described as a pattern of targeted repression.
They called on civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and the public to join them in demanding Reigneth’s release and upholding democratic values in the state.
“We appeal to all well-meaning citizens, civil society organisations, and advocacy groups to join us in defending the rights of individuals and safeguarding our democracy. It is vital that we unite against repression and uphold the values of free speech and democratic governance,” the group stated.
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, confirmed Reigneth’s arrest but said it was a police matter
“Yes, she was arrested, but you should hear from the police because it is a police matter,” Alabrah said.
He declined to comment on the threat by the factional PDP leadership to expel the governor, saying it was an internal party affair.
Efforts to reach the Bayelsa State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Musa Mohammed, were unsuccessful, as he said he was in transit when contacted.
