Warman Ogoriba, Bayelsa APC chairman, waved away calls for President Bola Tinubu to resign, calling them routine opposition politics and saying the president has performed “above 90 per cent” since taking office.
Speaking to journalists in Yenagoa on Tuesday, Ogoriba touched on election readiness, party healing and the economy under the APC.
On reports that some members, including Joshua Maciver, left over alleged marginalisation, he said reconciliation was working. “Nobody is bigger than the party. I called Joshua Maciver immediately after my election as chairman. We tried to meet, but he chose to leave. Everyone has a right to choose any political party.”
He added that only one aspirant who lost in the primaries defected — a sign, he said, of successful unity. “Integration is not an easy process, but we are doing very well. Today, both old APC and new APC members are working together. We are building a formidable party.”
Ogoriba said the APC will sell achievements, not mudsling. “We are going to campaign on the achievements of the APC government. Everyone can see these achievements, especially in infrastructure. Civil servants and pensioners are being paid. No civil servant has been owed salaries since this government came on board.”
He pointed to the Oporoma road project, long isolating Southern Ijaw, as proof of progress. “Before now, if you wanted to go to Ekeremor, you had to drive through Delta State and then take a boat. Today, you can drive directly. When the road reaches Agge and the deep seaport becomes operational, everyone will see the benefits.”
On calls for Tinubu’s resignation: “Even the President of America faces calls to resign. These things are normal in politics. If someone does not like you and you are in office, the person can ask you to resign.”
He rated Tinubu highly, citing infrastructure and subsidy removal. “On the issue of rising cost of living, while prices are increasing, people also have more money in their pockets. Salaries are increasing. “Look at the savings from subsidy removal and the increased allocations going to states. The President has challenged governors to explain how they are using the increased funds,” he said.
The Bayelsa APC has moved to a larger secretariat at 45 Isaac Boro Expressway, opposite Christ Embassy in Yenagoa. “We are moving from noise-making to strategy. The new office has a hall that can accommodate over 500 people and is one of the most beautiful APC offices across the nation.”
They plan a religious dedication instead of a formal commissioning. On rising opposition under Seriake Dickson’s NDC, Ogoriba was confident: “We are not losing sleep because we know APC has what it takes to win elections. We do not want to discuss parties; we want to discuss issues and sell our candidates.” He urged voters to register and collect PVCs, promising: “We will take our candidates to every local government in Bayelsa and present them to the people. The results will speak for themselves.”
