Former APC Vice Chairman for Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Samuel Aredeh, on Monday countered comments by a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, who warned that the APC could implode due to the influx of defecting politicians.
Describing Nabena’s remarks as “laughable,” Aredeh said Nabena lacked the political authority to assess the mood of the APC, either at the state or national level.
According to him, “The APC is not breaking, it is expanding. Only a man consumed by bitterness will see progress and call it a problem. Governors and political leaders are not defecting out of fear or desperation. They are joining because they see results — the Renewed Hope Agenda is working. Nigeria is being restructured for growth, the economy is stabilising, and governance is becoming more pragmatic and inclusive.”
Aredeh stressed that the APC remains focused on governance and national development, adding that the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has brought renewed discipline, coordination, and purpose to the party.
Similarly, another APC chieftain, Kenelayefa Stevens, in a statement on Monday, said Governor Diri’s expected defection was a welcome development that would further strengthen the party’s base in Bayelsa.
“Governor Diri’s defection is a strategic gain and a welcome move that will reposition our party ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Stevens said.
He also described Nabena’s comments as an attempt to protect the “waning influence” of a few individuals afraid of losing political control.
“Politics is, and always will be, a game of numbers,” Stevens added. “Governor Diri has shown himself to be a unifier and inclusive leader who will work with all stakeholders for the collective good.”
