Sylva’s defection: APC still intact in Bayelsa – Nabena

A former All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena, says the party is still intact in Bayelsa in spite of the defection of former Gov Timipre Sylva.

Nabena ​‌‌‍​‍⁠⁠‌‍‌​‍‍⁠‌⁠‌​stated this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, while reacting to Sylva’s defection from the party.

He assured that APC would win elections at all levels in the state, with or without Sylva.

It was reported that Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum, had, on Monday, announced his resignation from APC, alleging that the party had derailed from the ideals upon which it was founded.

Nabena, who said he was speaking on behalf of about 90 per cent of Bayelsa APC members and stakeholders, however, declared that the party was still strong and united, maintaining that it was a force to reckon with in future elections in Bayelsa.

He added that the party’s structure and other stakeholders had resolved to stay in APC to work for its success and deliver President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the state.

Nabena said they were also determined to work hard to deliver all the party’s candidates in the coming elections.

While wishing the former governor well in his political journey, he said that that APC in Bayelsa had become a formidable institution, bigger than an individual.

He, however, said that Sylva’s resignation letter dated Aug. 31 was received with ‘deep reflection’.

“You (Nabena) have stated clearly that you could no longer remain in a party whose leaders believe that all is fair in politics.

“You also stated that the ideals upon which the APC was founded have been thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted. I respect your courage to take this risk and history will vindicate men of conviction.

“While we wish you well in your political journey outside APC, majority of us in Bayelsa APC family feel contrary to your decision and we make bold to say we will remain in APC where we have invested.

“We will remain where we have sacrificed and built solid political structure, and we will work hard to deliver candidates; from President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 to all other candidates.

“We can not abandon our people in the APC and jump the ship. We will not abandon the ship for nowhere because the problem facing the country is not about the political parties, but about leadership.

“Politicians are not manufactured anywhere but recycled,” he said.

Nabena thanked Sylva for his leadership over the years and his contributions to the growth of the party in the state, stressing that outside politics, he remained an undeniable leader to many in Bayelsa.