APC Chieftain Warns On Internal Crisis In Bayelsa

A former deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver, has declared strong support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing the project as non-negotiable.

MacIver, in a statement issued in Yenagoa, however warned that internal challenges within the party in Bayelsa could threaten its chances if not urgently addressed.

In the statement titled, “Bayelsa APC Congresses: Going Forward, A Call to Look Inwards,” he urged party leaders to critically examine emerging issues that could weaken the party ahead of future elections.

He pointed out that one of the major concerns is the imbalance in the party structure following the entry of Governor Douye Diri into the APC, noting that not all blocs are being adequately carried along.

MacIver alleged that since the governor’s entry, only a smaller faction within the party appears to be benefiting from political inclusion, warning that the development has already triggered defections and could lead to more exits if the party fails to address internal grievances.

He said, “First, before His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, joined the APC in the state, there were clearly two political blocs that made up the party, with the approximate population ratios of the blocs standing at 95:5 percent.

“After the entrance of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, only the smaller bloc is being carried in the affairs of the party, leaving the greater percentage to their fate, and this situation has the potential to build anger and dissatisfaction in our dear party.

“The consequence of this has been the high level defection we have witnessed in the party recently and we believe more may likely follow, if we do not put our house in order.”

The APC chieftain also cautioned that lack of unity could affect the party’s performance during key primaries and elections.

“If we do not pull together as a party, we may witness a situation where we will lose key stakeholders, especially after the State and National Assembly Primaries as well the Gubernatorial Primaries.”

Despite the concerns, MacIver reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and commitment to President Tinubu’s second term bid, adding that the party must remain focused on its core objective while strengthening internal cohesion.

MacIver further congratulated the newly elected APC state executives led by Hon. Warman Ogoriba, expressing optimism that their leadership would help reposition the party ahead of future elections.