A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Joseph Maciver, has expressed strong concerns over the conduct of the party’s forthcoming ward and local government congresses. He warned of a possible hijack and manipulation of the process in parts of the state, particularly in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Maciver, who is a prominent figure in the party in Southern Ijaw LGA, called on Governor Douye Diri to intervene and review complaints arising from recent stakeholders’ meetings. He urged the governor to carefully examine the issues being raised to ensure a transparent and credible exercise.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 15, 2025, Maciver alleged that confusion in some areas, especially Ward 4 of Southern Ijaw LGA, is linked to the personal political ambitions of individuals appointed into committees to oversee the congresses. According to him, these ambitions could compromise the integrity of the process.
Maciver, popularly known as Mayor 1 of the Niger Delta, argued that committee members with clear political interests should not have been placed in positions where they can influence the outcome of the congresses. He maintained that such appointments create room for bias and unfair practices.
He stressed that those charged with supervising the congresses ought to be neutral and free of personal political aspirations. Allowing individuals with vested interests to manage the process, he said, undermines the confidence of party members.
The APC chieftain further noted that even before the appointment of the committees by Governor Diri, many long-standing party members had called for stakeholders’ meetings to deliberate on the upcoming congresses. However, he said their requests were ignored.
According to him, the failure to hold comprehensive consultations with party stakeholders has contributed to the growing dissatisfaction within the ranks. He added that in some local government areas, no stakeholders’ meetings were convened ahead of the congresses.
Maciver stated that information gathered from across the state indicates that similar concerns are being raised in several local government councils. He described the situation as worrisome and potentially damaging to party unity.
He emphasized that the reported cases of complaints, alleged hijack, and possible manipulation run counter to the peace and unity that the governor has publicly advocated. He warned that if not properly addressed, the issues could deepen divisions within the party.
Maciver called on Governor Diri, whom he described as the leader of the party in the state, to be cautious in his approach to recent committee appointments. He advised the governor to ensure that those introduced into the system are individuals capable of fostering unity rather than fueling internal disputes.
According to him, the credibility of the congresses will depend largely on the transparency of the process and the perception of fairness among party members. He said the governor has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes.
Maciver maintained that a transparent and inclusive congress would strengthen the APC in Bayelsa State and prepare it for future political contests. Conversely, he warned that a flawed exercise could weaken the party’s structure and erode trust among members.
His comments come days after Governor Diri inaugurated local government committees to oversee the conduct of the congresses. During the inauguration ceremony last Thursday, the governor urged party members to set aside personal ambitions and focus on broader party goals.
The governor had specifically called on members to prioritize President Bola Tinubu’s second-term re-election bid in 2027. He emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort in achieving that objective.
Maciver, however, insisted that unity can only be achieved through fairness and proper consultation. He reiterated his appeal for the governor to review the outcome of stakeholders’ meetings and address the grievances raised.
As preparations for the ward and local government congresses continue, attention remains focused on how the party leadership in Bayelsa will respond to the concerns. Party members and observers alike will be watching closely to see whether measures are taken to ensure a credible and peaceful process.
APC Crisis Deepens in Bayelsa as Chieftain Alleges Plot to Rig Ward Congresses
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Joseph Maciver, has expressed strong concerns over the conduct of the party’s forthcoming ward and local government congresses. He warned of a possible hijack and manipulation of the process in parts of the state, particularly in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
Maciver, who is a prominent figure in the party in Southern Ijaw LGA, called on Gover
