Governor Diri's aide quits, shows support for NDC

A media aide to Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has quit his job as special assistant on new media. This comes as he seems to be leaning towards the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The aide, Patrick Spiff, announced his resignation in a letter dated 29 May, which he sent to the governor. The State Government received the letter on 1 June.

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

“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.

Although Mr Spiff did not give a reason for leaving, his recent activities on social media suggest he may want to work more closely with the NDC.

Looking at his Facebook page, it is clear that he openly supported the NDC while still part of Mr Diri’s administration.

His profile picture features him in an NDC-branded T-shirt, and several posts 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.”

The term “Creek Haven” is widely known to refer to 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 wrote: “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 many to believe that Mr Spiff had already distanced himself from the governor's camp before he made his resignation official.

His resignation comes at a time when political loyalties are changing in Bayelsa. The state has long been a stronghold for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but things shifted when Governor Diri joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) last year.

His former ally, Bayelsa West Senator Seriake Dickson, chose not to join the APC. Instead, he started the NDC, presenting it as an alternative political option.

The party has gained more attention since Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso decided to join and secure the party's presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

Even though Mr Spiff has not directly tied his resignation to party politics, his public support for the NDC while still in government has raised questions about his political future.