Power Tussle Erupts In Bayelsa As Battle For Late Deputy Governor’s Seat Intensifies

Political consultations and behind-the-scenes lobbying have gathered momentum in Bayelsa State as key stakeholders deliberate on who should replace the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ewhrudjakpo passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60 after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa. He was later confirmed dead at the Federal Medical Centre in the state capital.

Even before his burial on January 30, political alignments had begun to shift, with discussions focusing on how Governor Douye Diri would fill the vacant position.

Central to the debate is whether the next deputy governor should emerge specifically from Sagbama Local Government Area, Ewhrudjakpo’s hometown, or whether the broader zoning structure within Bayelsa West Senatorial District should determine the choice.

Some stakeholders argue that equity requires Sagbama to complete the tenure. Ayebakuro Igbeta, a prominent voice from the area, maintained that Sagbama Constituency I should retain the slot in honour of the late deputy governor.

Others caution against restricting the selection to one local government, emphasizing the need to sustain political balance across the entire senatorial district.

By constitutional provision, the governor has the authority to nominate a replacement, subject to confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Names said to be under consideration include Dr. Peter Akpe, the Governor’s Chief of Staff from Sagbama; Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy governor and a retired permanent secretary; Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from Brass Local Government Area; and Dr. Dennis Otiotio, Bayelsa APC chairman from Nembe (Bassambiri).

The succession conversation has been further complicated by reports that Ewhrudjakpo allegedly declined to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Diri, adding another dimension to the unfolding political calculations.

Meanwhile, former governor and Bayelsa West senator, Seriake Dickson, reportedly criticised the intense lobbying that began even before the late deputy governor was laid to rest.

He stated that there was no dispute over who holds the constitutional power to nominate a successor, noting that although he played a role in producing both the governor and his deputy, he has not interfered in the administration or sought personal favours. Dickson added that he has not pressured Governor Diri in the past six years and does not intend to do so in the remaining two.

His remarks appear aimed at dispelling speculation about external influence in the selection process.

The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa, Mr. David West, also weighed in, insisting that for fairness and continuity, the position should remain in Sagbama. He referenced an earlier zoning understanding and argued that it should be respected for the remainder of Governor Diri’s tenure.

West further criticised the delay in appointing a new deputy governor, describing it as inconsistent with constitutional expectations. He suggested that a replacement should have been announced within 24 hours of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, while clarifying that this would not diminish the period of mourning.

He added that governance had slowed in the deputy governor’s absence, pointing out that with the governor currently out of the state, official activities appeared stalled.

West urged Governor Diri to prioritise integrity, competence, and broad acceptability in selecting a successor, warning against turning the appointment into a political reward.