The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has indefinitely suspended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, along with its 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, over allegations of anti-party activities. Several other prominent party figures were also sanctioned.
Among those suspended are Bayelsa State’s Commissioner for Power, Kharim Kumoko; Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Peres Biewari; former APC state chairman, Jothan Amos; APC National Executive Council ex-officio member, Godbless Diriwari; and Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader, Sabi Morgan.
Additionally, APC Ward 3 Chairman, Omiebi Fuoebi, Ward 4 Chairman, Claudius Odobu, and their respective executive members were suspended as well.
Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, the APC Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, announced the suspension of Lokpobiri and Kumoko during a press briefing in Yenagoa, following a report from the party’s disciplinary committee.
Senator accused Lokpobiri of supporting a faction within the party and backing Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 Bayelsa gubernatorial election, actions that allegedly stem from Lokpobiri’s discontent since the 2019 governorship election.
Similarly, Southern Ijaw APC Chairman, Ebikazi Gbefa, announced the suspension of David Lyon and seven others, accusing them of undermining APC candidates in recent elections by openly supporting the PDP.
The suspensions have been forwarded to the APC State Executive Council for ratification. Journalists at the briefing were not permitted to ask questions.
These actions mark a significant rift within the Bayelsa APC, with key members of the party being penalized for perceived disloyalty ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.