The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general election. However, the absence of two prominent party figures—Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the 2019 governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon—has raised questions about party unity in the state.
The endorsement took place at the APC’s 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting in Yenagoa, attended by members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, representing National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Ambassador Philip Ikrusi moved the motion to endorse Tinubu, which was seconded by former House of Representatives member, Preye Oseke. Ikrusi lauded Tinubu’s leadership since 2023, highlighting his reforms, promotion of national unity, strengthening of democratic institutions, and appointment of Bayelsa indigenes to key positions.
The Bayelsa APC pledged to mobilise members, party structures, and resources across all wards and local government areas to ensure a decisive victory for Tinubu in 2027.
Former governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, expressed regret over the absence of Lokpobiri and Lyon, noting their participation would have projected a united front. “The only thing we are lacking is the support of the national leadership. If we have that backing, this party is stronger than any other in the state,” Sylva said, describing 2027 as “a done deal” if the chapter received the necessary support.
Despite the display of solidarity, the absences rekindled concerns over lingering internal disputes within Bayelsa APC. Last year, Sylva’s camp clashed with supporters of Lokpobiri and Lyon, resulting in the suspension of the duo and former Bayelsa House of Assembly Speaker, Werinipre Seibarugu. Observers viewed the suspensions as part of a broader tussle for control of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
While suspensions were later paused pending broader consultations, questions remain over the resolution of the leadership conflict. A party chieftain, Chief Alex Blankson, has indicated plans for legal action, asserting that the current state leadership is unlawful.
Adding to the intrigue, a source revealed that Lokpobiri himself had scheduled Tuesday’s meeting, making his absence particularly notable. Attempts to reach his press secretary, Ms. Nneamaka Okafor, and Chief Lyon were unsuccessful.
At the meeting, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urged party members to unite, stressing that support for President Tinubu is essential to dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa. Similarly, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, noted ongoing reconciliation efforts within the state APC.
Bayelsa APC Chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, praised Tinubu for key appointments and projects in the state, while acknowledging the contributions of Ogbuku and Sylva in supporting the meeting.
Other notable attendees included APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom; former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi; Executive Director of the South-South Development Commission, Preye Aganaba; and Prince Amgbare
