Bayelsa APC stalwart slams Nabena’s claims of party crisis over defections

The former vice chairman of
All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Hon Samuel Aredeh has strongly condemned Yekini Nabena, the party’s former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, for predicting an internal crisis due to recent defections into the APC in Bayelsa State.

Aredeh called Nabena’s claims “laughable” and branded him a “disgraced political errand boy” lacking the stature to comment on the party’s state or national dynamics.

Responding to Nabena’s remarks in a national newspaper, Aredeh accused him of serving as a proxy for former Bayelsa Governor Chief Timipre Sylva and NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.

He claimed Nabena’s political relevance has collapsed, stating, “The only implosion is in Nabena’s own career. He’s a forgotten figure desperate for attention.” Aredeh pointed to Nabena’s close ties with Ogbuku, noting that Nabena’s wife serves as Ogbuku’s aide and that Nabena frequently aligns with him in Abuja.

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Aredeh dismissed Nabena’s warnings of instability from new defectors, arguing that the influx of members reflects trust in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Leaders are joining because they see progress—economic stability and inclusive governance,” he said, rejecting Nabena’s analysis as “ignorant.”

He questioned Nabena’s political credentials, stating, “He has no grassroots base and couldn’t even deliver his polling unit as a national officer.”

Highlighting Nabena’s origins in Agbare, Delta State, Aredeh argued he lacks legitimacy to speak authoritatively on Bayelsa politics.

He further diminished Nabena’s former role, saying, “Nabena commands no loyalty and speaks only for himself.” Aredeh suggested Nabena’s comments may stem from concerns over Governor Douye Diri’s potential defection to the APC, which could challenge Ogbuku’s rumored 2027 governorship bid.

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Aredeh praised Tinubu’s leadership for providing direction to the APC, urging supporters to disregard Nabena’s “baseless outburst.”

He also addressed internal disputes, noting that Denis Otiotio’s claim to party leadership is invalid due to a court ruling, with contempt proceedings underway.

Aredeh accused Nabena and his allies of undermining the efforts of governors and legislators aligned with Tinubu’s vision for national progress.

“The APC is focused on governance, not gossip,” Aredeh said, calling Nabena’s actions an attempt to stir controversy.

He urged party faithful to remain committed to Tinubu’s agenda, dismissing Nabena as a “voice from the past” whose “selfish agenda” will not derail the party’s momentum in Bayelsa or beyond.