A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has dismissed concerns that the resignation of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, could lead to the collapse of the party in Bayelsa State.
Sylva had on Monday announced his resignation from the APC, alleging that the party had deviated from the principles and ideals upon which it was founded.
Reacting to the development, Nabena said the APC remained strong, united and firmly established in Bayelsa, insisting that Sylva’s departure would not affect the party’s political structure or electoral prospects.
In a statement, Nabena said the majority of APC members and stakeholders in the state had resolved to remain in the party and work towards its success in the 2027 elections.
He said they would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and work to ensure the victory of other APC candidates in the state.
Addressing Sylva directly, Nabena said his resignation was a “painful but principled” decision, noting that the former minister had played a significant role in building the APC in Bayelsa.
He said, “My Dear Leader, His Excellency Chief Timipre Sylva, we received with deep reflection the news of your resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) via your letter dated August 31, 2026.
“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.
“You have stated clearly that you could no longer remain in a party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics’ and 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.”
Nabena, however, said the decision did not represent the position of the majority of APC members in Bayelsa.
“While we wish you well in your political journey outside the APC, majority of us in Bayelsa APC family (90 per cent) feel contrary to your decision and we make bold to say we will remain in APC where we have invested, sacrificed and built solid political structure,” he said.
He added that party members would continue to work towards delivering all APC candidates, including President Tinubu, in the 2027 elections.
Nabena maintained that the APC remained a “force to reckon with” in Bayelsa politics and would emerge victorious at all levels in the forthcoming elections.
