Bayelsa APC endorses Tinubu for 2027, but absence of top leaders Lokpobiri and Lyon exposes deep internal rift in party’s state chapter
The endorsement came during the 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yenagoa on Tuesday, attended by members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and party loyalists.
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The motion was moved by Ambassador Philip Ikrusi and seconded by ex-lawmaker Preye Oseke, citing Tinubu’s “bold reforms and inclusive leadership.”
However, the conspicuous absence of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), and Chief David Lyon, the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, has stirred fresh concerns about disunity in the Bayelsa APC.
Despite the event’s high-profile attendance, the nonappearance of Lokpobiri and Lyon—both influential figures—was hard to ignore.
Their absence was especially surprising given that Lokpobiri reportedly initiated the meeting.
Minister Timipre Sylva, a key APC figure and former governor, admitted the void was “regrettable,” saying:
“Their presence would have shown a united front before the NWC. If we have national backing, 2027 is a done deal.”
The internal rift dates back to 2024, when Sylva’s camp clashed with those of Lokpobiri and Lyon, leading to their suspension alongside other loyalists like ex-Speaker Werinipre Seibarugu.
Although the wave of suspensions was later reversed, party leadership disputes continue to simmer.
A party chieftain, Chief Alex Blankson, has threatened legal action, citing a court judgment that allegedly invalidates the current state APC leadership.
A source close to the party revealed that Lokpobiri’s absence was especially puzzling, as the minister had helped coordinate the very meeting he skipped. Repeated efforts to reach his aide, Nneamaka Okafor, were unsuccessful.
Despite the drama, the party reaffirmed its commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election, vowing to mobilize across all 8 LGAs of Bayelsa.
NDDC MD, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized loyalty:
“Anything short of support for Mr President is ingratitude. Tinubu’s reforms have impacted the Niger Delta positively.”
Similarly, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, MD of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, confirmed ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at mending party fractures before 2027.
APC State Chairman Dr. Dennis Otiotio praised Tinubu for appointments and projects in Bayelsa, expressing gratitude to Sylva for donating the party’s state secretariat and Ogbuku for funding the event.
In attendance were several top APC figures, including:
- Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary
- Chief Emma Eneukwu, Deputy National Chairman (South)
- Victor Giadom, National Vice Chairman (South-South)
- Peremobowei Ebebi, former Deputy Governor
- Preye Aganaba, Executive Director, South-South Development Commission
While Bayelsa APC endorses Tinubu with enthusiastic rhetoric and plans for 2027, the visible cracks in its leadership structure signal deeper issues that could affect the party’s fortunes in the upcoming elections.
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Unity, observers say, remains the missing ingredient—and without it, even a presidential endorsement may not be enough to guarantee success at the state level.
