By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and founder of the Pastor Reuben Initiative for Good Leadership and Accountability (PRIFGLA), Pastor Reuben Wilson, has blamed the party’s national leadership for the lingering crisis in its Bayelsa State chapter. Wilson made the remarks on Saturday during a solidarity walk and rally in Yenagoa, organized by PRIFGLA and The Asiwaju Group (TAG) in honour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He accused the APC national leadership of taking actions that have deepened internal divisions and stalled the party’s progress in the state.
Wilson, who coordinated the APC campaign in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area during the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections, alleged that the party won both contests but was denied victory.“ We secured those elections, but our mandate was stolen,” he said. “Bayelsa APC members are now treated as second-class citizens.” He urged the APC national chairman to act against individuals undermining party unity, warning that continued inaction would worsen the crisis. “If the national leadership can resolve conflicts in other states, why is Bayelsa an exception? They must caution those dividing our party, or they are complicit in our struggles,” Wilson said.
Despite the challenges, he praised Bayelsa APC members for their loyalty and resilience, as well as the state leadership for sustaining support structures for the party. The rally also served as a platform to celebrate President Tinubu’s policies and contributions to Bayelsa and the Niger Delta. Wilson highlighted the appointment of Bayelsans into key positions as a reflection of Tinubu’s commitment to the region.In their goodwill messages, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, and Hon. Preye Oseke, a director at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), commended Tinubu’s administration for supporting projects such as the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road. They urged Bayelsans to back Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Earlier, Mr. Eseimokumo Soko, Director-General of PRIFGLA, described the event as a celebration of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He said the initiative embodies economic reforms, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and national integration. “This agenda is not just a promise; it is a mission for inclusive development and a better future for all,” Soko said.
