The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and David Lyon, the party’s 2019 gubernatorial candidate, over alleged anti-party activities. The decision was made following reports from the party’s disciplinary committee.
Other suspended are several high-profile figures, including the state Commissioner for Power, Kharim Kumoko; Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Peres Biewari; former state APC Chairman, Jothan Amos; and Godbless Diriwari, an ex-officio member of the APC National Executive Council.
Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader, Sabi Morgan, along with Ward 3 Chairman Omiebi Fuoebi and Ward 4 Chairman Claudius Odobu, and their respective executives were also suspended.
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The announcement of Lokpobiri and Kumoko’s suspension was made by the APC Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, during a press briefing in Yenagoa.
Senator accused Lokpobiri of engaging in anti-party activities dating back to the 2019 Bayelsa governorship election, citing his support for a faction within the APC and his backing of Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 gubernatorial race.
In a separate briefing, the APC Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Ebikazi Gbefa, revealed that David Lyon and seven other members were suspended for allegedly undermining the party’s candidates in recent elections and for supporting the PDP.
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The suspensions are now awaiting ratification by the APC State Executive Council. No questions were taken from journalists at the briefing, and further comments from the suspended individuals or the party leadership were not immediately available.
This development has intensified internal divisions within the Bayelsa APC, as the party gears up for future political contests. The consequences of these suspensions could significantly impact the party’s dynamics and its standing ahead of upcoming elections.
Vanguard