APC suspends ex-Bayelsa deputy gov, six others indefinitely

Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the National Working Committee's (NWC) over its response to the decision of the court — Bayelsa APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State’s Yenagoa Local Government Chapter on Sunday announced the indefinite suspension of a former deputy governor, Werinipre Seibarugu, and six others over alleged anti-party activities.

Seibarugu, who served as deputy to former governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, was also a former acting governor and speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The announcement came with some drama at the Di Crab Hotel in Yenagoa, as the APC chapter chairman, Mr Tonye Okokuro, initially avoided mentioning Seibarugu’s name. It wasn’t until other members of the executive committee pressured him that he finally confirmed Seibarugu’s suspension.

The declaration was delayed due to an earlier attack on Sagbama LG executive members by suspected thugs, disrupting proceedings.

Seibarugu was suspended alongside Osomkime Blankson, Mr. Alex Blankson, Chief Olomo Agbama Apina, Dr. Pakinson Mamanuel, Ebiye Waripamo, and Pastor Esther Saiyou.

Blankson, who had previously contested the validity of the APC congresses in 2022, still holds a court judgement that voided those congresses.

According to Okokuro, the suspensions follow recommendations from the chapter’s fact-finding and disciplinary committee. He said the action is part of efforts to strengthen the party in preparation for the 2027 elections.

“It is on record that the parallel APC Secretariat situated at the Isaac Boro Expressway, Biogbolo, is being managed by Blankson,” Okokuro stated.

He added that all the aforementioned members have been involved in anti-party activities since the 2020 senatorial bye-election when they colluded with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate “against our party’s candidate.”

He added, “During the 2023 National Assembly elections, they openly worked against our candidates, and in the 2023 gubernatorial election, they openly supported Governor Douye Diri of the PDP. They have also benefited from the PDP government’s patronage.

“As 2027 approaches, we are focused on rebuilding the party and restoring confidence among grassroots members across the state.

“Based on the recommendations of the fact-finding and disciplinary committees, we hereby suspend them indefinitely from the party.”

This development comes shortly after the APC last weekend suspended Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), 2019 governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, and eight others over similar allegations of anti-party activities.