The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Yenagoa Local Government Chapter, on Sunday, indefinitely suspended former Deputy Governor Werinipre Seibarugu and six others over alleged anti-party activities.
Seibarugu, who previously served as deputy to former Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, was also an acting governor and Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
A mild drama unfolded at Di Crab Hotel in Yenagoa when the Chairman of the Yenagoa APC, Tonye Okokuro, initially hesitated to name Seibarugu during the announcement. It wasn’t until other members of his executive committee insisted that he specifically mentioned Seibarugu by name.
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Although the suspension of seven members was eventually announced, it had been delayed due to an earlier attack on members of the Sagbama Local Government executive committee by hired thugs.
Others suspended alongside Seibarugu include Osomkime Blankson, Alex Blankson, Chief Olomo Agbama Apina, Dr. Pakinson Mamanuel, Ebiye Waripamo, and Pastor Esther Saiyou. Notably, Blankson had challenged the outcome of the APC congresses in 2022 and holds a subsisting judgment declaring the congresses void.
Speaking to journalists, Okokuro explained that the suspensions followed the recommendations of the fact-finding and disciplinary committee, emphasizing the need to rebuild the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
“It is on record that the parallel APC Secretariat on Isaac Boro Expressway, Biogbolo, is managed by Blankson. Additionally, all the suspended members have engaged in anti-party activities since the 2020 senatorial bye-election when they conspired with the PDP candidate,” Okokuro said.
He added that these members openly worked against APC candidates during the 2023 National Assembly and gubernatorial elections, supporting Governor Douye Diri of the PDP.
“As the 2027 elections approach, we are focused on rebuilding the party and strengthening grassroots confidence,” Okokuro stated.
Last weekend, the APC also suspended Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the 2019 governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, and eight others.
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