All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State remains unified, strong and positioned for future electoral victories despite the recent resignation of former governor and ex-minister of Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, former APC deputy national publicity secretary, Yekini Nabena, has said.
He made the assertion yesterday in a statement in Abuja, while addressing the ripple effect caused by Sylva’s departure.
Sylva resigned from the ruling party on August 31, citing ideological differences and alleging that APC’s foundational principles had been “thoroughly and recognisably thwarted.”
Responding to the exit on behalf of state party stakeholders, Nabena said the party structure in Bayelsa remained intact, noting that about 90 per cent of members had resolved to stay back and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election alongside other party candidates.
“We receive with deep reflection, the news of your resignation from the All Progressives Congress via your letter dated 31st August, 2026,” Nabena stated in a message to the former governor.
“As one who joined others to build the APC with sweat and resources, your decision after wide consultation with family, associates and supporters is a painful but principled one.”
Acknowledging Sylva’s contributions to building APC in the state, Nabena said the party had grown into an institution larger than any individual.
“While we wish you well in your political journey outside the APC, the majority of us in the Bayelsa APC family feel contrary to your decision,” Nabena added.
“We make bold to say we will remain in APC where we have invested, sacrificed and built a solid political structure.”
Reiterating the commitment of the remaining leadership to protect their grassroots base, the Bayelsa-born politician dismissed suggestions of a mass exodus following Sylva’s departure.
“We cannot abandon our people in the APC and jump ship. We will not abandon the ship for nowhere because the problem facing the country is not about the political parties, but leadership problems,” Nabena said.
“Politicians are not manufactured anywhere, but are recycled; hence, we will make sure we stay back and deliver our candidates in Bayelsa State.”
