Sylva’s departure will not weaken APC in Bayelsa, former party spokesman says

The All Progressives Congress remains intact in Nigeria’s Bayelsa state despite the departure of former governor Timipre Sylva, former party spokesman Yekini Nabena said.

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90 per cent of Bayelsa APC members and stakeholders

Nabena said he was speaking for about 90% of Bayelsa APC members and stakeholders. He claimed the party’s structure had agreed to remain in APC and work for its success in future elections, including President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 reelection campaign.

Sylva, a former minister of state for petroleum and former Bayelsa governor, announced his resignation on Monday. He said the party had moved away from the ideals on which it was founded.

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the party was still strong and united

Nabena said Sylva’s resignation letter, dated Aug. 31, had been received with “deep reflection.” He acknowledged Sylva’s leadership and contributions to the party, while saying most Bayelsa APC members disagreed with his decision.

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APC in Bayelsa had become a formidable institution, bigger than an individual

“APC in Bayelsa had become a formidable institution, bigger than an individual,” Nabena said. He added that members would not abandon the political structure they had built, and argued that Nigeria’s problems stemmed from leadership rather than political parties. He wished Sylva well outside APC while calling him an undeniable leader to many people in Bayelsa.

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We will not abandon the ship for nowhere because the problem facing the country is not about the political parties, but about leadership