In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, former APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Great Joshua MacIver, has officially declared his unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu come 2027, describing the Tinubu re-election project as “non-negotiable.”
In a statement titled “BAYELSA APC CONGRESSES: GOING FORWARD, A CALL TO LOOK INWARDS” made available to newsmen over the weekend in Yenagoa, MacIver warned that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State faces internal challenges that could undermine its dominance if not addressed promptly.
According to MacIver, the party’s internal structure has become unbalanced following the entry of Governor Senator Douye Diri into the APC fold.
“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% to 5%.
After the entrance of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, only the snaller bloc is being carried along in the affairs of party, leaving the greater percentage to their fate, and this situation has the potential to build anger and dissatisfaction in our dear party.” Joshua added.
MacIver expressed concerns over recent defections within the party, warning that more could follow if unity is not restored:
“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 as the Gubernatorial Primaries.”
He reiterated the APC’s commitment to the presidency while urging party leaders to address internal grievances. “While it is very clear that we are the party to beat in the 2027 elections and that our loyalty to Mr. President IS NON-NEGOTIABLE, we must make haste to say that we cannot afford to create situations or loopholes in our unity which will be exploited by other political interests in the state. Our core interest remains the re-election of Mr. President, a project to which we have committed our all.”
In the same statement, MacIver congratulated the newly elected Bayelsa State APC executives, led by Hon. Warman Ogoriba, emphasizing their leadership as a timely boost for the party: “Their emergence is welcomed at this critical time in our national history.”
MacIver’s remarks highlight growing concerns over factionalism within the Bayelsa APC, even as party leaders position themselves for a strong showing in the 2027 elections.
