APC chieftains tackle ex-deputy spokesman over implosion claim

Two prominent chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Samuel Aredeh and Comrade Kenelayefa Stevens, have dismissed warnings by the party’s former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, that the APC risks imploding due to recent defections into its fold.

Nabena, in a recent interview with a national newspaper, had cautioned that the influx of defectors—particularly governors joining from other parties—could destabilise the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also suggested that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid might face challenges due to perceived northern discontent and growing tensions within the Bayelsa chapter following Governor Douye Diri’s defection to the party.

However, Aredeh and Stevens, in separate statements, described Nabena’s remarks as “laughable,” “misguided,” and “a desperate attempt to stay relevant.”

Aredeh, a former APC vice chairman in Bayelsa West, accused Nabena of acting as a mouthpiece for “disgruntled power brokers” within the party, including former Governor Timipre Sylva and NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

“Implode? That’s laughable,” Aredeh said.

“The only thing that has imploded is Yekini Nabena’s political career.

“He is a forgotten figure trying to crawl back into relevance by attacking those who are actually building the APC.”

He added that Nabena’s criticisms were baseless, stressing that the surge of new members joining the APC reflected growing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The APC is not breaking—it is expanding. Only a man consumed by bitterness will see progress and call it a problem,” he said.

On his part, Comrade Kenelayefa Stevens said Nabena’s claim of an impending implosion was both “unfounded and misleading.”

He accused the former party spokesman of lacking grassroots credibility and political relevance.

“It is difficult to take seriously the opinion of someone who, on election day, prefers the comfort of a hotel room to active participation in the field,” Stevens said.

“Let him publish his polling unit results since 2015 if he truly believes in his own influence.”

Stevens further alleged that Nabena’s comments were part of a plot to protect the diminishing influence of his political allies.

He maintained that Governor Diri’s defection was a major gain for the APC, not a threat.

“Politics is a game of numbers. Governor Diri’s entry strengthens our position ahead of 2027,” he said.

“He has shown himself to be a unifier and an inclusive leader whose presence has brought renewed enthusiasm among our members.”

Stevens also commended the APC National Chairman for his “competence and inclusive leadership,” adding that the party remains “stable, united, and well-positioned for victory.”

“No amount of fear-mongering or self-serving commentary will derail the progress we are making,” he declared.

Both chieftains reaffirmed their confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the national executives of the party, insisting that the APC in Bayelsa remains strong, cohesive, and forward-looking.