Political maneuvering has intensified in Bayelsa State as stakeholders debate who should succeed the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
Even before his burial, consultations and lobbying were already underway, largely sparked by Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to join Governor Douye Diri in defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ewhrudjakpo, 60, passed away on December 11, 2025, after collapsing in his Yenagoa office. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was pronounced dead.
His death has reopened discussions over whether his successor should come from Sagbama Local Government Area, his home base, or whether the existing zoning arrangement within Bayelsa West Senatorial District should guide the choice.
Some political actors argue that Sagbama should provide the next deputy governor to complete Ewhrudjakpo’s tenure. Ayebakuro Igbeta, a local stakeholder, said, “Sagbama Constituency I should be allowed to complete the term, considering the late deputy governor hailed from the area.”
Others, however, warn that zoning and broader senatorial representation must take precedence, stressing the need to maintain the state’s political balance.
Under the Constitution, Governor Diri holds the authority to nominate a replacement, subject to confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. Names circulating as potential successors include:
Dr. Peter Akpe, Governor’s Chief of Staff from Sagbama
Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy and retired permanent secretary
Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the State House of Assembly from Brass LGA
Dr. Dennis Otiotio, APC Bayelsa State Chairman from Nembe (Bassambiri)
Former governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, criticized the early lobbying for Ewhrudjakpo’s replacement, which began even before his January 30 burial. He emphasized that the responsibility to appoint a successor lies solely with Governor Diri.
“There is no contention about who should nominate a replacement for the late deputy governor,” Dickson stated. “Even though I supported both the governor and his deputy, I have neither interfered with the government nor sought any favours. For six years, I have not pressured Governor Diri, and I will not in the remaining two years of this administration.”
Adding his voice, Mr. David West, chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa, urged that the deputy governorship remain with Sagbama to preserve political equity and balance. He said, “Before the emergence of the governor and his late deputy, there was a political arrangement often referred to as zoning. This arrangement should be respected for the remainder of Governor Diri’s term.
“The new deputy should have been appointed within 24 hours of the deputy governor’s passing. The delay affects state governance, especially when the governor is often away, leaving key activities at a standstill.”
West also advised the governor to base his choice on competence, character, and acceptability rather than political compensation.