APC Suspends Minister, David Lyon, Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities
YENAGOA/Nigeria: The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State has suspended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the 2019 APC governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, along with other key party members for alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension, announced on Friday by the party leadership in both LGAs, followed the recommendations of a disciplinary committee set up in accordance with Article 21.3 (i) of the APC Constitution, 2022 (as amended). The party accused the suspended members of working against APC interests in recent elections.
In Southern Ijaw LGA, those suspended alongside David Lyon include former state APC chairman Jothan Amos, National Executive member Hon. Godbless Diriwari, party stakeholder Hon. Omiebi Fuoebi, LGA Youth Leader Sabi Morgan, and Commissioner for Lands and Survey Barr. Peres Biewari. Ward chairmen and executives in Southern Ijaw’s Wards 3 and 4 were also suspended.
In Ekeremor LGA, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, was suspended along with Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko, and other loyalists.
Chairman of Southern Ijaw APC, Mr. Ebikazi Gbefa, while reading the suspension notice, detailed the reasons behind the action.
“Since the 2020 Senatorial bye-election, these members have engaged in anti-party activities, working against our candidates in favour of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Despite previous warnings, they continued their disloyalty during the 2023 National Assembly and gubernatorial elections.”
Gbefa further noted that Barr. Peres Biewari, a former aide to David Lyon, was appointed Commissioner for Lands and Survey by Governor Douye Diri of the PDP as a reward for his loyalty to the PDP during the 2023 election.
In Ekeremor LGA, APC Chairman Senator Mitin Eniekenimi accused Lokpobiri of undermining the party since 2019 when he lost the party’s governorship ticket.
“He has consistently worked against the APC, including setting up a factional state secretariat and supporting the PDP in the 2023 gubernatorial election,” Eniekenimi stated.
Both Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor APC leaders have sent the suspension notices to the State Executive Committee for ratification. The move, they said, is part of efforts to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
