The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa State has suspended Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, alongside the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, and other key members, for alleged anti-party activities.
The leadership of the two LGAs announced the suspensions separately on Friday, stating that the decision followed recommendations from the disciplinary committees set up in line with Article 21.3 (i) of the party’s constitution, 2022, as amended.
In Southern Ijaw LGA, those suspended along with Chief David Lyon include Mr. Jothan Amos, former State APC Chairman, Hon. Godbless Diriwari, ex-officio member of the National Executive of APC, Hon. Omiebi Fuoebi, Sabi Morgan, the LGA APC Youth Leader, and Barr. Peres Biewari, Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Bayelsa State.
In addition, Mr. Timiondi Fabofieghe, APC Chairman of Ward 3, alongside all Ward 3 executive members, and Mr. Claudius Odobu, APC Chairman of Ward 4, with all Ward 4 executive members, were also suspended.
Similarly, in Ekeremor LGA, those suspended include Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and Engr. Karin Kumoko, Commissioner for Power, along with other loyalists to the Petroleum Minister.
While reading the suspension notice, Mr. Ebikazi Gbefa, APC Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, emphasized that the stakeholders had been involved in anti-party activities since 2020. He recalled their actions during the 2020 senatorial by-election, when they allegedly worked against the party’s candidate in favor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
Mr. Gbefa highlighted further disloyalty during the 2023 National Assembly elections, and particularly during the 2023 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election, when they openly supported Governor Douye Diri of the PDP. Some of the suspended members were reportedly rewarded with contracts and political appointments by the PDP-led government.
The Ekeremor LGA party chairman, Senator Mitin Eniekenimi, detailed similar allegations against Sen. Lokpobiri, accusing him of working against the party since losing the 2019 governorship primary. Eniekenimi also noted that Lokpobiri and his supporters had created a factional APC state secretariat and instituted court cases against the party.
The suspensions have been forwarded to the APC State Executive Committee for ratification. Both LGA party leaders emphasized their resolve to rebuild the party and strengthen loyalty among its grassroots members ahead of the 2027 elections.
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