YENEGUA: Political consultations and lobbying have intensified in Bayelsa State as attention shifts to who will succeed the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The political manoeuvring reportedly began even before Ewhrudjakpo’s burial, following tensions linked to his reported refusal to join Governor Douye Diri in defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
Ewhrudjakpo died on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60 after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead.
His passing has since sparked debates over zoning, political balance, and fairness in selecting his replacement.
A major point of contention is whether the next deputy governor should come from Sagbama Local Government Area, Ewhrudjakpo’s hometown, or whether existing zoning arrangements within Bayelsa West Senatorial District should determine the choice.
Some stakeholders argue that fairness demands Sagbama be allowed to complete the tenure. One stakeholder, Ayebakuro Igbeta, maintained that Sagbama Constituency I should produce the replacement since the late deputy hailed from the area.
Others, however, insist broader zoning considerations should prevail to maintain political balance across the senatorial district, cautioning against decisions that could upset established arrangements.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, Governor Diri has the authority to nominate a new deputy governor, subject to confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
Several names have already surfaced as possible replacements, including:
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Dr. Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, from Sagbama Local Government Area.
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Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy governor and a retired permanent secretary.
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Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, from Brass Local Government Area.
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Dr. Dennis Otiotio, Bayelsa APC chairman, from Nembe (Bassambiri).
Former Bayelsa governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, criticised the intense lobbying that began before Ewhrudjakpo’s burial, which took place on January 30.
He stressed that the responsibility for nominating a replacement rest solely with Governor Diri, noting he had not interfered with the administration despite previously playing a role in producing the current leadership.
The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa, Mr David West, argued that for equity and political balance, the deputy governor’s position should remain in Sagbama.
He also warned that delaying the appointment could violate constitutional expectations and affect governance, noting that the late deputy governor often represented the governor at official functions.
West urged the governor to prioritise competence, character, and broad acceptability when making the nomination, cautioning against treating the position as political compensation.
With consultations ongoing and political pressure mounting, attention now centres on Governor Diri’s eventual decision, which observers say will significantly influence political stability and balance in Bayelsa State ahead of future elections.
