The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
Naijaonpoint reports that the endorsement came at the party’s 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting in Yenagoa on Tuesday, attended by members of the National Working Committee, led by the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, who represented the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Ambassador Philip Ikrusi moved the motion for endorsement, seconded by former House of Representatives member, Preye Oseke.
“I raise this motion in recognition of the outstanding leadership and vision that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated since assuming office in 2023,” Ikrusi said, praising Tinubu’s “bold reforms, rekindled hope, promotion of national unity, and appointment of Bayelsa indigenes into key positions.”
The party pledged to mobilise structures across all wards and local governments to secure what it described as a “resounding victory” for Tinubu in 2027.
Notably absent, however, were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, fuelling fresh speculation about disunity in the state chapter.
Former governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, admitted their absence was regrettable.
“The only thing we are lacking is the support of the national leadership. If we have the support, this party is stronger than any other party in the state. With that support, 2027 will be a done deal,” Sylva said.
The absence of the duo rekindled memories of last year’s crisis when Sylva’s camp clashed with Lokpobiri and Lyon, leading to their suspension alongside former Speaker Werinipre Seibarugu and their supporters.
Although the suspensions were later halted, questions remain over whether the dispute over control of the Bayelsa APC has been resolved.
A party chieftain, Alex Blankson, has even threatened legal action, insisting a court judgment had declared the current state leadership illegal.
Adding to the intrigue, insiders disclosed to Punch that Lokpobiri himself had scheduled Tuesday’s meeting, making his absence “more puzzling.” Efforts to reach his spokesperson, Ms Nneamaka Okafor, and Lyon were unsuccessful as of press time.
Despite the rift, several party leaders stressed the need for reconciliation.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, urged collective effort to unseat the ruling PDP in the state.
“We believe that anything short of support for Mr President is ingratitude. It is not only APC members who should show this gratitude,” Ogbuku said, noting that Tinubu’s reforms, including higher crude oil earnings, had benefited the Niger Delta.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, confirmed that reconciliation moves were ongoing within the state chapter.
Bayelsa APC Chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, commended President Tinubu for “key appointments and projects” in the state. He also thanked Ogbuku for bankrolling the meeting and Sylva for donating the state party secretariat.
The meeting was attended by key party figures, including 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.
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