Yekini Nabena, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has refuted media reports claiming that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, and the 2019 APC governorship candidate, David Lyon, are collaborating with Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
As the Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee of the National Gubernatorial Campaign Council for Bayelsa State, Nabena categorically stated that any reports suggesting a division within the APC camp in Bayelsa are baseless.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the governorship election in the state for November 11, 2022.
Addressing the media reports in a statement issued on Monday, Nabena dismissed them as propaganda orchestrated by the PDP to create discord within the APC.
Various media outlets had reported an alleged alliance between Diri, Lokpobiri, and Lyon.
“We are fully aware of the desperate tactics employed by incumbent Governor Douye Diri, including these propaganda and lies, in an attempt to cause confusion. However, it is too late for the PDP because the people of Bayelsa have already decided to remove the underdeveloped ruler of an oil-rich state,” said Nabena.
He further clarified, “Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, recently held a strategic meeting with our candidate in the presence of our National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Everyone has reaffirmed their commitment, and massive mobilization is already underway.”
Nabena expressed his sympathy towards the restless Governor Diri and his camp, emphasizing that their days in the Bayelsa State Government House are numbered.
“We urge all our party members, supporters, and the people of Bayelsa in general to remain calm, as we anticipate a resounding victory. Disregard the lies and false claims attempting to sow discord within our ranks,” concluded Nabena.
