Dr. Ramoni Temple Iluma, the Director-General of the Bayelsa State Agency for the Control of AIDS (BYSACA), has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a desire to concentrate on building stronger political structures at the grassroots level. His resignation, effective from November 2, 2025, marks another high-profile exit from the party in Bayelsa State amid ongoing shifts within the state’s political landscape.
In his formal resignation letter, Dr. Iluma announced that his decision was made after careful consideration of his political goals and aspirations. He explained that his focus would now be on strengthening political capacity in his ward, constituency, and across Bayelsa State.
“My decision to resign is motivated by my desire to focus more intently on building stronger political capacity within my ward, constituency, and state,” he wrote. “I seize this opportunity to sincerely express my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, for his peaceful, decisive, and visionary leadership, which has significantly advanced development, welfare, and infrastructure in the state.”
Dr. Iluma’s message also conveyed deep gratitude to the PDP for the opportunities afforded him during his membership. He acknowledged the experiences and relationships gained while serving under the party’s platform and expressed continued respect for its role in his public service journey.
“I am deeply grateful to the Peoples Democratic Party for the privilege to serve as a member,” he added. “I will always value the experiences and relationships gained during my membership.”
Political observers in Bayelsa have described the resignation as part of a broader trend of political realignment following reports that Governor Douye Diri and several of his close associates may be re-evaluating their positions within the PDP. Although Dr. Iluma did not indicate whether his resignation was directly linked to the governor’s reported moves, his open commendation of Diri’s leadership suggests continued loyalty to the governor’s administration.
As the head of BYSACA, Dr. Iluma has played a crucial role in coordinating Bayelsa’s response to HIV/AIDS and implementing health policies aimed at prevention, treatment, and public awareness. His exit from the PDP does not appear to affect his administrative role within the state government, but analysts say it could signal changing political loyalties within Bayelsa’s public service sector.
The resignation also underscores a growing pattern of defections and realignments among senior state officials, which may reshape Bayelsa’s political structure ahead of future elections. Many within the state’s political community are interpreting Dr. Iluma’s decision as an effort to position himself strategically for potential political engagement at the local or state level outside of the PDP framework.
While the PDP leadership in Bayelsa has yet to issue an official reaction to Dr. Iluma’s departure, the development has sparked discussions about the state of internal cohesion within the party. The series of resignations from top government functionaries is seen as a reflection of the evolving political environment in the state, where loyalty to Governor Diri’s leadership continues to influence key political decisions.
Dr. Iluma’s carefully worded resignation avoids any criticism of the PDP, instead focusing on personal political growth and acknowledgment of the governor’s accomplishments. His tone of respect and appreciation has been noted as an attempt to maintain goodwill within political circles while pursuing a new direction.
As Bayelsa continues to witness movement among political figures, the resignation of Dr. Ramoni Temple Iluma adds to the narrative of transformation within the state’s ruling elite. His emphasis on grassroots political development suggests a strategic shift toward strengthening local political engagement and leadership—an approach that could redefine his future political trajectory in Bayelsa’s dynamic political landscape.
