APC Suspends Minister Lokpobiri and Others for Anti-Party Activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC) recently suspended key figures, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and David Lyon, a former gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa. The announcement, made on October 11, 2024, came after the party investigated reports of anti-party activities. APC leaders allege these members undermined party interests during the 2023 Bayelsa governorship election.

The APC leadership accused Lokpobiri, along with his aide Kharim Kumoko, of supporting Governor Douye Diri’s re-election. They allege that Lokpobiri’s involvement helped his supporters gain political appointments and contracts from the opposition-led government. Lokpobiri faced accusations of creating a factional APC secretariat and filing lawsuits against the party. These actions allegedly deepened divisions within the party.

Local leaders of the All Progressive Congress Party in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas carried out the disciplinary actions. Mitin Eniekenemi, APC Chairman in Ekeremor, stated that Lokpobiri had consistently acted against the party since his appointment as minister. Eniekenemi added that Lokpobiri’s actions included creating divisions within the party and legal opposition.

In Southern Ijaw, The party Chairman Ebikazi Gbefa announced the suspension of David Lyon. He accused Lyon and his supporters of working against the APC’s candidates in both the National Assembly and governorship elections. Gbefa alleged that Lyon conspired with the opposition and undermined party unity.

The APC views these suspensions as part of a larger effort to strengthen internal ranks. Party leaders emphasized the need to rebuild trust and remove those acting against party interests. The party has sent the suspensions to the state’s working committee and the national executive for final ratification. This step aims to prepare the APC for the 2027 general elections by solidifying internal unity and addressing dissent within its ranks.

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