The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and its 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
This action extends to key figures like Kharim Kumoko, the state Commissioner for Power, and Peres Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey.
Party officials also suspended former state chairman Jothan Amos, National Executive Council member Godbless Diriwari, and Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader Sabi Morgan.
The suspensions affected several ward leaders in Southern Ijaw, including Omiebi Fuoebi of Ward 3 and Claudius Odobu of Ward 4, alongside their ward executives.
Local APC leaders in Yenagoa, led by Mitin Eniekenemi Senator from Ekeremor Local Government Area, explained the decision was based on a report from the party’s disciplinary committee.
They claimed Lokpobiri had fostered division within the party by creating a factional state secretariat and supporting rival candidates in previous elections.
Additionally, the party accused Lokpobiri of working with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election.
Lokpobiri and his associates allegedly backed Governor Douye Diri’s campaign, which the party claims led to appointments and contracts for his followers within the PDP-led state government.
Chief David Lyon and seven others were also suspended for supporting rival candidates during the 2020 Bayelsa Central senatorial bye-election and the 2023 gubernatorial election.
The suspensions have been forwarded to the state executive council for further action, as the party aims to rebuild and regain the confidence of its grassroots supporters ahead of future elections.
