Bayelsa Governor's Aide Quits, Shows Support for NDC

A media aide to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has stepped down from his role as special assistant on new media. This comes as he seems to be joining the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The aide, Patrick Spiff, announced his resignation in a letter dated 29 May and sent to the governor. The letter reached the Office of the Secretary in the State Government on 1 June.

In the letter, which he shared on Facebook later, Mr Spiff did not explain why he was leaving.

“I am writing to formally resign my position as special assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State on New Media.

“I appreciate the opportunities, experience and support I have received during my time with the (state) government. It has contributed greatly to my professional growth, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained,” he wrote.

While Mr Spiff did not give a reason for his exit, his recent activities on social media hint that he may have quit to focus on the NDC.

A look at his Facebook shows that he was openly supporting the NDC while still working for Mr Diri.

His profile picture features him in an NDC-branded T-shirt. Several posts on his page predicted the party's wins in Bayelsa.

On 26 May, he wrote: “There is nothing those in Creek Haven can do. NDC will produce the next governor of Bayelsa State.”

“Creek Haven” is known as the official residence of the Bayelsa governor.

In another post, he stated: “There are no two ways about it. NDC will win the Senate and the Reps in the West. NDC will win the Senate and the Reps in Central.

“NDC will win the Senate in the East. It will be a walkover in favour of NDC.”

Earlier, on 14 May, he mentioned: “To play opposition politics is too sweet. Everything is flowing well.

“Nobody can cage you. If you feel like I’m lying, just join NDC and confirm it.”

These posts have led to talks that Mr Spiff had moved away from the governor's camp even before he officially resigned.

His resignation comes at a time when political loyalties are changing in Bayelsa. The state, known as a stronghold for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saw a big shift after Governor Diri switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last year.

His predecessor and former ally, Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson, chose not to join the APC. Instead, he started the NDC, aiming to create an alternative political option.

The party has gained more attention since Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joined and secured the presidential ticket for the upcoming 2027 election.

Though Mr Spiff has not directly connected his resignation to party politics, his public support for the NDC while working in government has sparked more talks about his future political moves.