The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver, has declared unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, describing the project as “non-negotiable.”
MacIver, in a statement titled “Bayelsa APC Congresses: Going Forward, A Call to Look Inwards,” issued in Yenagoa on Saturday, urged party leaders to address internal challenges that could undermine electoral success.
Reaffirming his commitment, MacIver stressed that the party’s core objective remains securing a second term for President Tinubu.
“Our core interest remains the re-election of Mr. President, a project to which we have committed our all. Our loyalty is non-negotiable,” he said.
Despite the show of loyalty, the APC chieftain raised concerns about growing disunity within the party in Bayelsa State.
He pointed to what he described as an imbalance in the party’s structure, alleging that only a smaller faction is being carried along in decision-making processes.
“Before His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, joined the APC in the state, there were clearly two political blocs… with ratios of about 95 per cent to 5 per cent,” he stated.
“After his entrance, only the smaller bloc is being carried along… leaving the greater percentage to their fate. This situation has the potential to build anger and dissatisfaction.”
MacIver warned that the perceived marginalisation has already triggered defections and could worsen if urgent steps are not taken.
“The consequence has been the high level of defection we have witnessed recently, and more may follow if we do not put our house in order,” he said.
He cautioned that unresolved grievances could lead to the loss of key stakeholders, especially ahead of party primaries for legislative and governorship elections.
The APC stalwart emphasised the need for cohesion, warning that internal cracks could be exploited by rival political interests.
“We cannot afford to create situations or loopholes in our unity which will be exploited by others. We cannot afford to underrate anyone,” he said.
MacIver also congratulated the newly elected Bayelsa APC State Executive led by Warman Ogoriba, describing their emergence as timely and significant.
He expressed hope that the new leadership would foster inclusiveness and strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
