In a significant move, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, alongside David Lyon, who was the party’s candidate for the Bayelsa governorship in 2019. This decision comes amid allegations of anti-party activities and is part of the party’s effort to address internal conflicts and maintain its integrity.
The suspensions were announced after a disciplinary review by the APC leadership in Bayelsa State. Alongside Lokpobiri and Lyon, several other prominent members were also suspended. These include Kharim Kumoko, the Commissioner for Power; Peres Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey; former APC state chairman Jothan Amos; NEC ex-officio member Godbless Diriwari; and Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader Sabi Morgan.
During the announcement in Yenagoa, Mitin Eniekenemi, the APC Chairman for Ekeremor Local Government Area, made serious accusations against Lokpobiri. He claimed that the Minister had been leading factions within the party and collaborating with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since his unsuccessful bid for the APC governorship ticket in 2019. Eniekenemi asserted that Lokpobiri and his supporters actively supported Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri and the PDP during the 2023 elections. In exchange for their support, they reportedly received appointments and contracts.
Eniekenemi stated, “In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, he led a group of disgruntled party members to openly support and work for Gov. Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party and was compensated by the PDP-led government of Bayelsa State.” He also pointed out that since Lokpobiri’s appointment as minister, he has been at odds with the party, refusing to seek reconciliation despite various attempts by party leaders.
The APC leadership in Southern Ijaw, led by Ebikazi Gbefa, similarly announced the suspension of David Lyon and seven others. Gbefa accused them of undermining the party’s National Assembly candidates and conspiring with the PDP during the 2023 governorship elections. He emphasized that this group openly worked against APC candidates, further contributing to the party’s internal strife.
In his statement, Gbefa noted that some suspended members were compensated with contracts and appointments by the PDP-led government. For instance, Perepuighe Biewari, who served as Chief David Lyon’s personal assistant, was nominated and appointed as the current Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Governor Diri’s administration.
These suspensions highlight the ongoing tensions within the APC in Bayelsa State, revealing deep divisions and allegations of betrayal among party members. By taking decisive action against Lokpobiri and others, the APC aims to reaffirm its commitment to party unity and discipline. However, the suspensions may also lead to further conflicts, as those suspended could challenge the party’s decisions and policies.
The APC’s leadership will need to navigate these challenges carefully to restore harmony within the party and maintain its political influence in Bayelsa State. The party’s future strategies will likely focus on addressing internal conflicts, fostering loyalty, and consolidating support ahead of upcoming elections.
The suspensions of Heineken Lokpobiri and David Lyon mark a critical moment for the APC as it strives to maintain order and loyalty among its members. As the party faces increasing scrutiny and internal strife, the leadership’s response will be crucial in shaping the APC’s political landscape in Bayelsa State and beyond. The unfolding developments will be closely watched by party loyalists and political observers alike, as the implications of these actions could resonate throughout the party and its future endeavors.
