From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
There is a serious push by some influential members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to install the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources ( Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as the leader of the state party in the state.
The former Minister of State for Petroleum. And former governor, Chief Timipre Sylva had been regarded as the leader of the party since inception of the party in 2014.
As leader, Sylva who has had party structure across the state firmly in his grip has also been instrumental in nominating party members for appointments at the federal level.
However, since 2019, there has been a tussle for leadership control with Lokpobiri and the former governor- elect, Chief David Lyon teaming up to create an alternative power base in the state.
The last governorship election which saw many APC party bigwigs turning their backs on Sylva as the candidate of the party and backing incumbent governor, Senator Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) is believed to be the rallying point for a change in leadership.
Erstwhile political associate of Sylva and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Israel Sunny- Goli is said to be at the forefront for the change in leadership.
Sunny- Goli who broke ranks with Sylva before the election and worked for the emergence of Diri as the winner of the election.
In a New Year message, Sunny-Goli who commended his supporters for backing him in his decision to work for the victory of Diri, directed them to back the leadership of Lokpobiri in the state.
‘’ Let me at this point bring to your notice, a very important decision reached after due and extensive consultation with critical stakeholders and my teeming supporters and in the best interest of all.
‘’ Please be informed that I have resolved that henceforth, all my supporters across the state should align fully with the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen Heineken Lokpobiri as our highly revered leader. With him at the saddle of leadership, our collective destiny is assured of success in our great party, the All Progressive Congress.’’
Sources in the party noted that though the constitution of the party recognise a former governor in any state as the leader of the party, this could be called into question if the state has a serving minister who is also a seasoned politician.
A top member of the party said the reception held for Lokpobiri in Ekeremor on the eve of the New Year which attracted leaders of APC within and outside the state is a sign of leadership change in the party.