A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Comrade Kenelayefa Stevens, has described as unfounded and misleading claims by the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, that the party will implode due to recent defections.
Nabena, the former National Publicity Secretary of the APC, had in a recent interview claimed the party will implode due to recent defections at the state and national levels.
Nabena also criticized the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the evolving dynamics within the Bayelsa State chapter of the APC, particularly in light of Governor Douye Diri’s recent defection to the party.
However, reacting in a statement on Monday, Stevens, dismissed what he described as “mischievous concern” expressed by Nabena. He described Nabena’s comments as unfounded and misleading.
He dismissed Nabena’s political relevance as marginal at best, adding that “it is difficult to take seriously the opinion of someone who, on election day, chooses the comfort of a hotel room over active participation in the field”.
Steven added, “I challenge Mr. Nabena to publish his polling unit results from 2015 to date. Let the facts speak to his commitment—or lack thereof—to the APC. Politics is not a platform for empty rhetoric; it is a results-driven endeavour. And in this regard, Mr. Nabena has consistently underperformed.
“It is no secret that Mr. Nabena operates as a proxy for Chief Timipre Sylva and maintains close ties with the Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku.
“His recent comments are clearly part of a calculated effort to preserve the waning influence of his principal, driven by fears that Governor Diri’s entry into the APC may shift the balance of power.
“Now, to address the claim that the APC does not need defecting governors: such a statement betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of political strategy.
“Politics is, and always will be, a game of numbers. Governor Diri’s defection is a strategic gain, one that strengthens our party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Contrary to Mr. Nabena’s fears, Governor Diri has proven himself to be a unifier—an inclusive leader committed to working with all stakeholders for the collective good, a quality that has endeared him to many across the state.”
The Bayelsa APC chieftain noted that Governor Diri’s arrival has been met with enthusiasm by the majority of the party faithful, as it opens new avenues for electoral success both at the state and national levels.
“It is also worth emphasising the competence of our current National Chairman. His administrative prowess and ability to harmonise diverse interests within the party have been evident since his emergence. Under his stewardship, the APC is not only stable but also poised for continued victories,” he added.
Stevens equally assured that the APC remains robust, inclusive, and forward-looking, stressing that no amount of fear-mongering or self-serving commentary will derail the progress the party is making.
Describing Governor Diri’s defection as a welcome development, he added, “We remain confident in the leadership of President Tinubu and our party’s national executives.”
