Sylva’s defection: Bayelsa APC intact, we ‘ll deliver Tinubu, others in 2027 – Nabena

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Yekini Nabena has declared that the party is still intact in Bayelsa State and will win election at all levels despite the recent defection of former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva from the APC.

Sylva, a former Governor of Bayelsa state, on Monday announced his resignation from the ruling party, alleging that APC had derailed from the ideals upon which the APC was founded.

Responding to the development through a statement he signed and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, Hon Nabena, who said he was speaking on behalf of about 90 per cent of Bayelsa state party members and stakeholders, declared that APC is still very strong, united and a force to reckon with in the future elections in Bayelsa, adding that the structure and other stakeholders have resolved to stay back in APC to work for the success of the party, deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the state, and work hard to deliver all the candidates of the party in the coming elections.

The Bayelsa born APC chieftain wished the former Governor well in his political journey but stated clearly that APC in Bayelsa state had become a formidable institution bigger than just one man.

The statement reads in part: “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 31st August, 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.

“While we wish you welll 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, and we will work hard to deliver all our candidates – from Mr. President’s re-election bid in 2027, to all other candidates.”

The former APC spokesman added: “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 leadership problems.

“We believe that politicians are not manufactured anywhere but recycled, hence we will make sure that we stay back and deliver all our candidates in Bayelsa State.”

The APC chieftain thanked the former Governor for his leadership over the years and his contributions to where APC is presently, adding that outside politics Chief Timipre Sylva remain an undeniable leader to many of in Bayelsa State.