The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State remains strong and united despite the recent resignation of former Governor Timipre Sylva, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, has said.
Sylva, who previously served as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, announced his resignation from the APC on August 31, 2026. He cited what he described as the party’s departure from the principles and ideals on which it was founded.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, Nabena said Sylva’s departure would not weaken the APC’s political structure in Bayelsa.
Nabena claimed that about 90 per cent of the party’s members and stakeholders in the state remained committed to the APC and had resolved to continue working for its success.
According to him, party members would focus on securing victory for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election as well as for other APC candidates contesting elections in the state.
The former APC spokesman acknowledged Sylva’s contributions to the growth of the party in Bayelsa and described his resignation as a painful development. However, he maintained that the party had developed into a political institution capable of standing beyond the influence of any single individual.
Nabena said members who had invested time and resources in building the APC would not abandon the party because of Sylva’s decision to leave.
He also argued that Nigeria’s major challenges were rooted more in leadership than in political party affiliation, urging party members to remain focused on strengthening the APC rather than switching platforms.
While wishing Sylva well in his future political activities, Nabena expressed appreciation for the former governor’s leadership and contributions to the APC’s development in Bayelsa.
He added that, despite their political differences, Sylva remained an important and respected figure to many people in the state.
