Comrade Stevens calls Nabena’s comments misleading and politically motivated
A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Comrade Kenelayefa Stevens, has described as baseless and misleading the claims by former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, that the APC is on the verge of internal collapse due to recent defections.
Nabena, a former spokesman of the ruling party, had in a recent interview warned that the APC could “implode” as a result of what he termed uncontrolled defections at both the state and national levels. He also criticized the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu and questioned the growing influence of Governor Douye Diri, who recently defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Stevens: Nabena’s remarks are unfounded and mischievous
Reacting in a statement on Monday, Comrade Stevens said Nabena’s comments were nothing more than a “mischievous concern” aimed at stirring division within the Bayelsa APC. He accused Nabena of playing politics of self-interest and irrelevance, adding that his public statements lacked credibility and substance.
“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,” Stevens said.
He challenged Nabena to publish the election results from his polling unit dating back to 2015, saying the records would reveal his poor performance and lack of grassroots impact.
“Politics is not a platform for empty rhetoric; it is a results-driven endeavour,” Stevens added. “And in this regard, Mr. Nabena has consistently underperformed.”
‘Nabena acting as proxy for Sylva and Ogbuku’
The Bayelsa APC chieftain further alleged that Nabena was acting as a political proxy for Chief Timipre Sylva, a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
According to Stevens, Nabena’s recent criticisms were part of a calculated campaign to protect the waning political influence of his associates, particularly in light of Governor Diri’s defection to the APC.
“His recent comments are clearly part of a calculated effort to preserve the diminishing influence of his principal, driven by fears that Governor Diri’s entry into the APC may shift the balance of power,” Stevens stated.
He dismissed Nabena’s claim that the APC does not need defecting governors, describing it as a “fundamental misunderstanding of political strategy.”
“Politics is, and always will be, a game of numbers,” he said. “Governor Diri’s defection is a strategic gain—one that strengthens our party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Governor Diri’s defection strengthens APC, says Stevens
Stevens maintained that Governor Diri’s entry into the APC represents a major victory for the party, particularly in Bayelsa State, where the political landscape has been traditionally dominated by the PDP. He described the governor as a unifier and bridge-builder who has shown readiness to collaborate with all party members for the collective good.
“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,” he said.
According to Stevens, the majority of APC members in Bayelsa have welcomed the governor’s defection with enthusiasm, viewing it as an opportunity to expand the party’s influence and improve its chances of victory in future elections.
Confidence in APC leadership and President Tinubu
Stevens also expressed confidence in the leadership of the APC at the national level, particularly commending the administrative competence of the National Chairman and the strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is worth emphasizing the competence of our current National Chairman. His administrative prowess and ability to harmonize diverse interests within the party have been evident since his emergence,” Stevens said.
“Under his stewardship, the APC is not only stable but also poised for continued victories,” he added.
He reiterated that the APC remains robust, inclusive, and forward-looking, insisting that no amount of fear-mongering or self-serving propaganda would derail the party’s progress.
“The APC is stronger today than ever before. We are confident in the leadership of President Tinubu and the collective vision of our national executives. Governor Diri’s defection is a welcome development that will only make our party stronger,” Stevens concluded.
Analysts weigh in on Bayelsa APC dynamics
Political analysts have described the recent developments within the Bayelsa APC as part of the natural realignments that occur in a democracy. While some observers believe the entry of Governor Diri could create tensions among existing stakeholders, others see it as a strategic move to consolidate the APC’s position in the South-South region.
With the next general elections less than two years away, attention remains focused on how the APC will manage its growing coalition and maintain internal harmony amid shifting political alliances.
