Former All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver, has pledged full support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, while warning of a potential internal crisis within the party in the state.
MacIver made his position known in a statement issued in Yenagoa over the weekend, where he described Tinubu’s re-election as “non-negotiable.” He also used the opportunity to call on party leaders in Bayelsa to address growing concerns that could weaken the APC’s chances in future elections.
The statement, titled “Bayelsa APC Congresses: Going Forward, A Call to Look Inwards,” highlighted what MacIver described as emerging divisions within the party. He cautioned that unresolved internal issues could lead to further defections and undermine party unity.
According to him, the APC in Bayelsa was originally made up of two major political blocs before the entry of Governor Douye Diri into the party. He claimed that these blocs existed in an approximate ratio of 95 percent to 5 percent.
MacIver alleged that since Diri’s arrival, only the smaller bloc has been actively included in party affairs, leaving the larger group sidelined. He warned that such imbalance could fuel dissatisfaction among members.
He noted that the situation has already contributed to a wave of defections from the party, adding that more members could leave if urgent steps are not taken. He stressed that unity remains critical if the APC is to maintain its competitiveness in the state.
MacIver further warned that failure to reconcile differences could lead to the loss of key stakeholders, especially during crucial stages such as state and national assembly primaries, as well as gubernatorial primaries.
He emphasized that while the APC remains a strong force ahead of the 2027 elections, internal divisions could create openings for rival political interests. He urged party leaders not to underestimate the consequences of disunity.
The former deputy governorship candidate reiterated his loyalty to the APC, stating that the party remains his only political platform. He maintained that all efforts should be directed toward strengthening internal cohesion to achieve shared objectives.
“Our core interest remains the re-election of Mr. President,” MacIver said, adding that members must avoid actions that could jeopardize that goal. He stressed the importance of closing ranks and addressing grievances within the party.
Despite his concerns, MacIver congratulated the newly elected state executives of the APC in Bayelsa. He specifically commended the emergence of Hon. Warman Ogoriba as state chairman, describing it as timely given the current political climate.
He expressed hope that the new leadership would take proactive steps to unify the party and address the concerns raised. He noted that strong leadership at the state level would be crucial in preparing the APC for upcoming political contests.
MacIver concluded by urging party members to remain committed and work collectively to strengthen the APC’s position in Bayelsa and across the country ahead of the next general elections.
