Bayelsa APC suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, others over anti-party allegations

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several prominent members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and its 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, due to alleged anti-party activities.

Other members affected by the suspension include the state’s Commissioner for Power, Kharim Kumoko; Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Peres Biewari; former state APC chairman, Jothan Amos; an ex-officio member of the APC National Executive Council, Godbless Diriwari; and the Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader, Sabi Morgan. Additionally, Omiebi Fuoebi, APC Ward 3 Chairman, and Claudius Odobu, Ward 4 Chairman, along with their executive members, were also suspended.

The APC Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, announced the indefinite suspension of Lokpobiri and Kumoko in Yenagoa. This decision followed the findings of a disciplinary committee that accused Lokpobiri of supporting an internal party faction and backing Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Bayelsa gubernatorial election.

Meanwhile, Southern Ijaw APC Chairman, Ebikazi Gbefa, announced David Lyon’s suspension alongside seven others, accusing them of undermining the party’s candidates and aligning with the PDP during the elections.

These suspensions are pending ratification by the APC State Executive Council. No questions were entertained from the media during the briefing.