A former deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Honourable Yekeen Nabena, has advised President Bola Tinubu to exercise caution in assuming that the recent defections of governors from opposition parties in the South-South region will automatically result in votes for the ruling party.

Speaking in Abuja, Nabena, who hails from Bayelsa State, warned that the influx of defecting governors could create internal tensions within the APC if not carefully managed. He questioned the motives of the defecting governors, suggesting that some may be joining the party due to their own political vulnerabilities. Nabena cited examples of states such as Bayelsa, Delta, and Enugu, where the APC faces strong opposition or internal party complexities.

The politician expressed concerns that integrating these defectors could disrupt existing party structures, particularly in states where the APC already has a strong base. He also highlighted the potential for conflicts among party leaders in the states, emphasizing the need for careful coordination to avoid clashes between incoming governors and existing local structures. According to Nabena, the key challenge lies not in the governors’ decision to join the party, but in managing their integration with existing party members.

Nabena also raised doubts about the capacity of the APC national secretariat to harmonize the party, citing previous instances where appointed leaders failed to unify party members. He stressed that the secretariat lacks the authority and structure to effectively bring all factions together.

The warnings come as the APC seeks to consolidate its position ahead of future elections. The party’s ability to manage the influx of new members and integrate them into its existing structures will be crucial in determining its success. As the APC navigates this complex process, it will be important for the party’s leaders to balance the interests of new and existing members to avoid internal conflicts and ensure a united front.