Why APC Suspended Heineken Lokpobiri, David Lyon, and Others

In a decisive move, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, along with its 2019 Bayelsa governorship candidate, David Lyon, and several other prominent figures for alleged anti-party activities. The suspension came after a review of party loyalty and actions taken by these individuals, accused of undermining the party in favor of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Heineken Lokpobiri, along with Lyon, Bayelsa Commissioner for Power Kharim Kumoko, Commissioner for Lands and Survey Peres Biewari, and former APC state chairman Jothan Amos, were singled out for leading factions within the party and openly supporting Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri of the PDP during the 2023 election. The APC leadership in Bayelsa claimed that these individuals received political appointments and contracts as rewards for their defection and support of the PDP.

The suspension was announced by Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, the APC Chairman for Ekeremor Local Government Area, during a press briefing in Yenagoa. Senator accused Lokpobiri of leading a group of disgruntled party members and working against the APC's interests, particularly during the 2023 Bayelsa gubernatorial election.

"Heineken Lokpobiri and his followers backed Governor Douye Diri in the election and have continued to receive rewards from the PDP government," Senator stated. He also highlighted the appointment of Lokpobiri's personal aide, Kharim Kumoko, as the Commissioner for Power in Bayelsa State as evidence of their collaboration with the opposition.

Similarly, the APC Southern Ijaw LGA, led by Ebikazi Gbefa, announced the suspension of David Lyon and seven others for allegedly undermining the APC's National Assembly candidates in the 2023 election. Gbefa claimed that Lyon's group openly supported the PDP and contributed to their success in the election, further fracturing the party's unity in Bayelsa.

The APC has expressed frustration over the actions of these members, which it says have damaged the party's standing in Bayelsa and led to these suspensions as a necessary disciplinary measure.