APC Suspends Tinubu’s Minister Lokpobiri and Other Key Party Members

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Bayelsa State has announced the suspension of several high-profile members, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum, and David Lyon, the party’s 2019 governorship candidate. The suspensions were revealed during a press briefing held in Yenagoa on Friday.

The decision, taken by APC executives in the Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas, is reportedly tied to allegations of anti-party activities and factionalism within the state chapter of the party. Among those suspended are two serving commissioners in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led Bayelsa State government, who are also members of the APC.

Mitin Eniekenemi, Chairman of the APC in Ekeremor LGA, confirmed Lokpobiri’s suspension, along with the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko. Eniekenemi stated that the suspensions were the result of an internal investigation conducted by the party’s disciplinary committee under Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.

In a related development, the APC executives in Southern Ijaw LGA have also suspended David Lyon, along with Barr. Peres Biewari, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, and six other party members. They were accused of engaging in anti-party activities and gross misconduct, particularly during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election.

The party leadership indicated that investigations are still ongoing, and further actions may be taken against other members implicated in the alleged misconduct.