APC Issues Indefinite Suspension to Ex-Bayelsa Deputy Governor, 6 Others

APC has handed an indefinite suspension to the former deputy governor of Bayelsa and six others, amid ongoing internal conflicts within the party.

The Yenagoa Local Government Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has indefinitely suspended former deputy governor Werinipre Seibarugu and six other members due to alleged anti-party activities.

The suspension was revealed on Sunday after the release of a report by the fact-finding and disciplinary committee.

Seibarugu previously held the position of deputy governor under former Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva. He also served as a former acting governor and speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

His suspension, along with that of others, indicates a significant shakeup within the local chapter of the APC.

There was some drama accompanying the announcement at the Di Crab Hotel in Yenagoa. Mr. Tonye Okokuro, Chairman of the Yenagoa Local Government Chapter, initially hesitated to mention Seibarugu’s name until his executive committee urged him to do so.

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In addition to Seibarugu, the individuals suspended are Osomkime Blankson, Mr. Alex Blankson, Chief Olomo Agbama Apina, Dr. Parkinson Mamanuel, Ebiye Waripamo and Pastor Esther Saiyou.

The suspension of the seven members faced a postponement because an earlier attack by thugs on the Sagbama LG executive committee disrupted proceedings. Notably, Osomkime Blankson had previously contested the 2022 party congresses in court and obtained a judgment that invalidated those congresses.

In a conversation with journalists, Okokuro stated that the suspension was essential for rebuilding the party in preparation for the 2027 elections. He highlighted the importance of fostering internal unity and maintaining discipline within Bayelsa State’s APC.

He mentioned that it is documented that Blankson manages the parallel APC Secretariat located on Isaac Boro Expressway in Biogbolo.

It is also documented that all the previously mentioned members have engaged in anti-party actions since the senatorial by-election in 2020, during which they collaborated with the People’s Democratic Party candidate and opposed our party’s candidate.

In the 2023 National Assembly elections, they and their supporters actively opposed our candidates for the National Assembly.

In the Bayelsa State gubernatorial election of 2023, they actively supported Governor Douye Diri from the Peoples Democratic Party and benefited from the patronage of its government in Bayelsa.

As 2027 draws near, we are working to revitalize the party and strengthen trust among our grassroots members in the state.

“Following the recommendations of the Fact-Finding and Disciplinary Committees, we are indefinitely suspending them from the party.”

The party suspended Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Chief David Lyon, the 2019 governorship candidate, and eight other individuals last weekend.