Confusion Rocks All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State as Chieftains Disagree on Party Leadership
Amidst the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, two key chieftains of the party have locked horns over who is the leader of the party in the oil-rich state. Izzy Yakia and Marlin Daniel, two prominent figures in the party, have expressed contrasting views on the matter, with implications for the party’s internal dynamics and governance.
The disagreement stems from the recent suspension of key party officials, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, by executives of the APC in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas. The suspensions were attributed to anti-party activities and alleged factionalization of the party.
According to Izzy Yakia, “The issue of leadership in Bayelsa APC is not in contention, as the party’s constitution is very clear. In a state with a sitting governor, the sitting governor is the leader of the party, while in a state with a former governor, the former governor is the leader of the party. We know all too well that Bayelsa APC has a former governor who was a former minister, His Excellency Chief Timipre Sylva, who has led the party throughout. He remains the substantive leader of the party in the state.”
In stark contrast, Marlin Daniel asserts that Lokpobiri is the current leader of the APC in Bayelsa, stating, “Today, if anything is happening in that state, it is the Minister that would be called upon. There is no time a minister will not be as far as the Federal Government exists. At every point in time, there must be a minister from the party, Sylva has been the leader, but as long as it is now, Lokpobiri is the leader – there is no dispute about it.”
The controversy has left party loyalists and hopefuls wondering which leader is the legitimate representative of the APC in Bayelsa State. As the party navigates its internal squabbles, it is clear that the future of the party’s leadership remains uncertain.
Apart from Lokpobiri, two serving commissioners in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led Bayelsa State government, who are also APC members, were among those suspended. In Southern Ijaw, the APC executives also announced the suspension of David Lyon, the 2019 APC governorship candidate, and the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peres Biewari, along with six other members for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct.
As the party’s leadership continues to face internal challenges, it remains to be seen which path the APC will take to reclaim its lost momentum in Bayelsa State.
