Yenagoa, Nigeria – In a fiery and defiant statement, the Bayelsa State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a thunderous call for the immediate and unconditional release of Miss Awudumu Reigneth, a well-known political activist and social media influencer who was reportedly arrested and detained on what the party describes as “trumped-up charges” of cyberbullying and dissent.
Describing the arrest as an “egregious abuse of power,” the PDP minced no words in condemning what it sees as a calculated effort by Governor Douye Diri to muzzle dissent, suppress internal opposition, and ultimately dismantle the party structure in Bayelsa State from within.
“Reigneth Awudumu is not just a voice online but she is a pillar of our grassroots political mobilization in Ogbia and a staunch PDP loyalist whose efforts were instrumental in our victories in the 2019 and 2023 elections,” said Mr. Derri Alasuote Wright, Acting State Publicity Secretary of the PDP.
The party linked Miss Reigneth’s arrest to her affiliation with the NEW Associates Political Structure, a grassroots movement aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Reigneth currently serves as the Director-General of the group’s NEW Media Team.
According to the PDP, this political alignment though constitutionally permitted has made her a target for Governor Diri, who allegedly views any affiliation with Wike or Tinubu as subversive.
“Governor Diri’s recent actions point to a dangerous trend of intolerance and repression,” the statement continued. “His crackdown on party loyalists and members of the Bayelsa East Senatorial District, including the sack of over 27 aides and now the incarceration of Miss Reigneth, mirrors the same tyrannical tactics used against renowned commentator Dr. John Idumange.”
The party further accused Governor Diri of harboring secret plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move they claim is being preceded by the deliberate sabotage of the PDP’s internal cohesion and public image.
“We are fully aware that Governor Diri has finalized plans to decamp to the APC. His actions are textbook political sabotage, designed to weaken the PDP’s foundation before his defection,” the party alleged.
In a stinging rebuke, the PDP reminded Governor Diri of the democratic values espoused by leaders such as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former President Goodluck Jonathan, both of whom, despite enduring intense public scrutiny, have demonstrated restraint and democratic tolerance.
“Governorship is not lordship. Governor Diri must remember that he holds office at the pleasure of the people, not as their oppressor,” the party declared.
The PDP has warned that if Miss Reigneth is not released unconditionally, the party will consider extreme disciplinary measures against Governor Diri, including possible expulsion from the party.
“The PDP will not be a silent witness to dictatorship cloaked in party loyalty. We are prepared to defend our members and our principles with every tool at our disposal,” Wright asserted.
The statement concluded with a call to civil society organizations, human rights groups, and democracy advocates across Nigeria to rise in solidarity, condemn the oppression, and demand justice.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to resist this creeping tyranny. Free Reigneth Awudumu now—or face the storm of democratic resistance,” the statement concluded.
