The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced during the party’s 12th Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting in Yenagoa, which was attended by members of the National Working Committee, led by Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, who represented APC 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, praising Tinubu’s “bold reforms, rekindled hope, promotion of national unity, and appointment of Bayelsa indigenes into key positions.”
The state chapter pledged to mobilise its structures across all wards and local governments to secure what it described as a “resounding victory” for Tinubu in 2027.
However, the absence of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), and David Lyon, the party’s 2019 governorship candidate, raised fresh concerns about lingering disunity within the state APC.
Former Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, admitted their absence was unfortunate, but insisted the party remained strong.
“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.
The absence of Lokpobiri and Lyon revived memories of last year’s internal crisis when Sylva’s camp clashed with them, leading to suspensions that were later overturned. Party insiders told Punch that Lokpobiri himself had scheduled Tuesday’s meeting, making his absence even more puzzling. Attempts to reach his spokesperson, Ms. Nneamaka Okafor, as well as Lyon, were unsuccessful as of press time.
Amid the rift, party leaders called for reconciliation. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), 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, highlighting Tinubu’s reforms and their benefits for 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, while thanking Ogbuku for sponsoring the stakeholders’ meeting and Sylva for donating the party secretariat.
The meeting was attended by key party leaders, 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.
