The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, along with Chief David Lyon, the party’s 2019 gubernatorial candidate, for alleged anti-party activities.
Also suspended were Kharim Kumoko, the state Commissioner for Power; Barrister Peres Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey; former APC state chairman Jothan Amos; Hon. Godbless Diriwari, an ex-officio member of the National Executive Council; and Sabi Morgan, the Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader. Additionally, party stakeholders, including Mr. Omiebi Fuoebi, the APC Chairman of Ward 3 in Southern Ijaw, along with all executive members of that ward, were also suspended. The same applies to Mr. Claudius Odobu and the executive members of Ward 4 in Southern Ijaw.
During a press briefing in Yenagoa on Friday, Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, the Chairman of the APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area, announced the indefinite suspensions of Lokpobiri and Kumoko, supported by local government executive members, stating that the decision followed recommendations from a disciplinary committee established under Article 21.3(i) of the party’s amended constitution.
Mitin accused Lokpobiri and his supporters of engaging in anti-party actions since the 2019 gubernatorial elections, claiming that the minister’s discontent stemmed from his failure to secure the APC nomination. He specifically alleged that Lokpobiri used his followers to file lawsuits against the party and create a rival state secretariat.
The minister was also accused of leading a faction of disenchanted party members to endorse and support Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party during the 2023 elections, reportedly receiving rewards from the PDP-led government of Bayelsa State.
Earlier, Mr. Ebikazi Gbefa, the APC Chairman for Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, along with the local executive council, announced the suspension of Chief David Lyon and seven others for similar allegations. Gbefa referenced Article 21.3(i) of the party’s constitution, claiming they conspired against the APC candidate in the 2020 Bayelsa Central senatorial bye-election, Mr. Abel Ebifemowei. He noted that some members had been given contracts and appointments, including Barrister Perepuighe Biewari, who was appointed as the current Commissioner for Lands and Survey under Governor Diri after being nominated by Lyon.
As the party seeks to rebuild ahead of the 2027 elections, Gbefa expressed a commitment to strengthen the APC and restore trust among grassroots members who have significantly supported the party.
However, some APC leaders in Bayelsa have criticized the local government chairmen’s decision to suspend Lokpobiri and Lyon. During a press conference in Yenagoa, APC chieftain Hon. Alex Blankson revealed that he had previously filed a case in January 2022 in the state High Court, challenging the legitimacy of the congress that produced the current party officials at various levels, a claim that the court upheld.
