APC Suspends Minister of State Petroleum, Former Party Guber Candidate and Eight Others for Alleged Anti-Party Activities
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several prominent members, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and Chief David Lyon, the party’s 2019 gubernatorial candidate, over claims of anti-party activities.
Also suspended are Kharim Kumoko, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Power; Barrister Peres Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey; former state chairman Jothan Amos; Hon. Godbless Diriwari, a former member of the National Executive Council; and Sabi Morgan, the Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader.
Additional suspensions included the APC Chairman for Ward 3 in Southern Ijaw, Omiebi Fuoebi, and all executive members of the ward, as well as the leadership of APC Ward 4, including Mr. Claudius Odobu.
In a press briefing in Yenagoa, Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, the APC Chairman for Ekeremor Local Government Area, announced the indefinite suspensions of Lokpobiri and Kumoko, citing a report from the party’s disciplinary committee in accordance with Article 21.3 (i) of the amended party constitution. He accused Lokpobiri of engaging in anti-party activities since the 2019 gubernatorial election, claiming that his actions stemmed from his failure to secure the APC nomination. Specifically, he alleged that Lokpobiri encouraged supporters to file lawsuits against the party and established a rival state secretariat.
Additionally, Mitin stated that Lokpobiri led a faction of discontented party members who openly supported Douye Diri, the governor from the Peoples Democratic Party, during the 2023 elections and received rewards from the PDP-led government.
The APC Chairman for Southern Ijaw, Mr. Ebikazi Gbefa, also announced the suspensions of Chief David Lyon and seven others, accusing them of conspiring against the APC candidate during the 2020 Bayelsa Central senatorial bye-election. He claimed that some individuals received contracts and appointments in return for their actions, including Barrister Biewari, who was appointed Commissioner for Lands and Survey after being nominated by Lyon.
Gbefa emphasized the party’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening itself ahead of the 2027 elections, seeking to restore confidence among grassroots members who have supported the party.
However, some APC leaders in Bayelsa have criticized the suspensions imposed by local chapter chairmen. At a press conference in Yenagoa, APC chieftain Hon. Alex Blankson revealed that he had filed a lawsuit in January 2022 challenging the validity of the congress that led to the election of current party officials at various levels, a claim that the court has supported.
