APC Stays Strong Despite Sylva's Resignation, Says Nabena

Yekini Nabena, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), responded to Chief Timipre Sylva's resignation from the party, which he announced in a letter dated August 31, 2026. Sylva, a former Petroleum Minister and governor of Bayelsa, expressed concerns that the APC had deviated from its founding principles.

In a statement released on September 2, Nabena claimed to represent about 90 percent of Bayelsa APC members, asserting that the party remains a solid force despite Sylva's departure. He acknowledged Sylva's significant contributions to the party but emphasized that the remaining members are committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election and other APC candidates in upcoming elections.

Nabena stated that the party structure in Bayelsa is intact and that the APC has evolved into a formidable institution that cannot be defined by the exit of any single individual.