The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced on Tuesday during the party’s 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting in Yenagoa. The gathering was attended by members of the APC National Working Committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, who represented the party’s National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The motion for endorsement was moved by Ambassador Philip Ikrusi and 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, highlighting Tinubu’s reforms, his efforts at rekindling hope, promoting national unity, and appointing Bayelsa indigenes into strategic positions.
The party pledged to mobilise across all wards and local government areas in the state to secure what it described as a “resounding victory” for Tinubu in 2027.
However, the absence of Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, sparked fresh speculation about divisions within the state chapter.
Former governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, acknowledged the absence as unfortunate.
“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 in the state. With that support, 2027 will be a done deal,” Sylva said.
Their absence 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 allies. Although the suspensions were later lifted, lingering questions remain about whether the dispute over control of the Bayelsa APC has been resolved.
Adding to the intrigue, insiders disclosed 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 at the time of reporting.
Despite the internal cracks, party leaders stressed the importance of unity and reconciliation.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku, said:
“We believe that anything short of support for Mr. President is ingratitude. It is not only APC members who should show this gratitude.”
He also noted that Tinubu’s reforms, including higher crude oil earnings, had benefited the Niger Delta.
Similarly, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, confirmed that reconciliation moves were ongoing.
Bayelsa APC Chairman, Dr. Dennis Otiotio, commended Tinubu for key appointments and projects in the state. He also expressed gratitude to Ogbuku for funding the meeting and to Sylva for donating the party secretariat.
The meeting was attended by several prominent APC figures, including National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Vice Chairman (South-South) Victor Giadom, former Deputy Governor Peremobowei Ebebi, and Executive Director of the South-South Development Commission Preye Aganaba.
