The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has openly dissociated himself from Governor Douye Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ewhrudjakpo’s decision has deepened the political tension within Bayelsa’s leadership, as the deputy governor and other party loyalists insist that the PDP remains strong and united both in the state and nationally.
PDP Stalwarts Stand Firm
Sources within the Bayelsa political circle confirmed that Ewhrudjakpo, alongside key figures such as former Governor Seriake Dickson and several ex-lawmakers, has vowed to remain in the PDP, describing the defection of the governor as a “personal and regrettable decision.”
“The Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo, and one of our leaders, Seriake Dickson, including other former lawmakers in our party, are still with the PDP. We’re going nowhere. The PDP remains our political home.”
Ewhrudjakpo Boycotts Meeting Where Diri Announced Defection
Governor Diri had on Wednesday officially announced his resignation from the PDP and defection to the APC through his spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, without providing specific reasons for the move.
However, inside sources revealed that the deputy governor boycotted the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting where the announcement was made a clear sign of his opposition to the governor’s decision.
One government insider disclosed:
“Earlier this morning, Diri presided over the SEC meeting, but the deputy governor refused to attend. He didn’t attend because he’s not defecting alongside the governor. His absence was a deliberate statement of resistance.”
Meanwhile, members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly loyal to the governor are reportedly considering impeachment proceedings against Ewhrudjakpo for refusing to defect with his principal.
According to legislative sources, the move would be justified on grounds of “gross misconduct” a term they argue could apply to a deputy governor who fails to align politically with his governor.
A source within the Assembly stated:
“We expect that the State Assembly will victimise him for his choice. If he’s victimised for remaining in the PDP, he will have no choice but to do the needful.”
Both Diri and Ewhrudjakpo were elected on a joint PDP ticket in 2019 and re-elected in 2023, following a closely contested poll. Ewhrudjakpo, a lawyer and former senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, has been a long-standing PDP loyalist and previously served in various capacities, including as Chairman of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform.
His refusal to join the APC sets the stage for a potential constitutional and political crisis in the state, as analysts warn that the deputy governor’s stance could split the cabinet and fuel a battle for control within the Bayelsa political structure.
Political observers say the development marks a rare moment in Nigerian politics, where a deputy governor defies his principal’s defection a move that could test the constitutional limits of political loyalty.
If impeachment proceedings are initiated, the situation could trigger a lengthy legal battle and heighten political instability ahead of the 2027 general elections.