The All Progressives Congress (APC) executives in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State have announced the suspension of several key party members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon.
Two serving commissioners in the Bayelsa State government, led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who are also APC members, were among those suspended.
The suspensions were reportedly due to accusations of anti-party activities and alleged factionalism within the party at the state level.
APC Chairman in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi, confirmed the suspension of Senator Lokpobiri and the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko.
Eniekenemi explained that the decision was based on the findings of an internal disciplinary committee, established under Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.
Similarly, APC executives in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area announced the suspension of David Lyon, along with the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peres Biewari, and six other members for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct.
The suspended members were accused of working against the party’s interests, particularly during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election.
The APC leadership noted that investigations are ongoing, and further findings regarding other members involved in anti-party activities will be made public once the inquiries are completed.