A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Hon. Prince Douye Koroye, has rejected remarks allegedly made by Jonah Abeke, describing them as misleading and an attempt to distort events that recently took place in Sagbama.
Koroye, who identified himself as a stakeholder in the Sagbama APC, said the comments credited to Abeke were aimed at creating confusion within the party. He insisted that the process in question was conducted in full compliance with the directive of the state governor.
In a statement addressing the controversy, Koroye maintained that no clandestine decisions were taken at the Sagbama meeting. He said all critical stakeholders of the party in the local government were invited and actively participated in the deliberations.
According to him, the narrative suggesting that decisions had already been concluded before the meeting is false. He stressed that prominent party leaders were present and contributed meaningfully to the discussions.
Koroye specifically mentioned Hon. Ebitimi Amgbare as one of the distinguished leaders who attended the meeting. He said Amgbare’s presence and participation contradict claims that the process lacked transparency or inclusiveness.
He further stated that the governor’s leadership style has consistently been inclusive. Koroye described the governor as someone who prioritizes consultation and collective responsibility in party matters.
“The Governor has always carried every segment of the party along,” Koroye said. He added that no bloc or interest group has been sidelined under the current leadership structure.
The APC stakeholder argued that the allegations being circulated are part of a deliberate attempt to undermine unity within the party. He claimed that certain individuals uncomfortable with recent reforms are behind what he described as sponsored propaganda.
Koroye alleged that some elements who previously benefited from what he termed “political merchandising” are dissatisfied with the current order. He did not provide specific names but suggested that the resistance stems from a system that is no longer “business as usual.”
According to him, the era when party structures could allegedly be manipulated for personal gain has ended. He said the present leadership is focused on discipline, transparency, and accountability.
Koroye emphasized that Sagbama APC is not for sale and cannot be turned into a marketplace for personal enrichment. He maintained that the party’s structure must serve collective interests rather than individual ambitions.
He warned against attempts to fracture party unity through what he described as calculated mischief. The APC chieftain insisted that members should remain focused and not be distracted by what he called unfounded allegations.
“The facts are clear. The process was inclusive. The stakeholders were present. The Governor’s directive was followed,” Koroye stated.
The controversy comes amid heightened political activities within Bayelsa State as parties continue internal consultations and alignments. Disputes over party processes and leadership decisions have remained a recurring feature in local political dynamics.
Observers note that internal disagreements within political parties are not uncommon, particularly during periods of restructuring or strategic planning. However, party leaders often stress the importance of resolving disputes internally to preserve unity.
Koroye reiterated that Sagbama APC remains united despite the allegations. He called on party members to resist what he described as divisive narratives and to continue supporting the governor’s leadership.
He concluded by affirming that the party in Sagbama would not be distracted by what he termed blackmail. According to him, APC stakeholders in the area are committed to strengthening internal cohesion and advancing the party’s objectives.
As of the time of filing this report, Jonah Abeke had not issued a fresh response to Koroye’s rebuttal. The situation continues to generate reactions among party faithful in the local government area.
