BY AHMED AKANBI
A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has said the resignation of ex-Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva would not dent the party’s fortunes in the state.
Nabena dismissed suggestions that Sylva’s exit would weaken the APC, insisting the party remains strong, united and firmly in control of its structures ahead of 2027.
Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and a leading APC figure in the Niger Delta, quit the party on August 31.
He cited a departure from the ideals and principles on which the APC was founded.
Reacting on Wednesday, Nabena said the APC in Bayelsa was bigger than any individual and would not be destabilised by one man’s departure.
“About 90 per cent of APC members and stakeholders in Bayelsa will remain in the party despite Sylva’s departure.
“APC in Bayelsa is bigger than one man. The majority of our members and stakeholders remain committed to the party, and we will continue to work together to strengthen it,” he said.
The former party spokesman said the APC’s leadership and grassroots structures in Bayelsa remain intact and focused on consolidation.
He expressed confidence that the party would continue to enjoy strong support and remain competitive in future elections in the state.
Nabena assured party faithful that the APC was united and working to build a stronger platform to win elections in Bayelsa.
Sylva’s resignation has triggered reactions within and outside Bayelsa given his influence in the state and Niger Delta politics.
The move comes amid a wave of defections, consultations and political realignments across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While speculation continues over Sylva’s next political home, Nabena maintained that his exit would not cause any significant disruption to the APC in Bayelsa.