Pressure mounts on Diri as race for Bayelsa dep gov heats up

Political lobbying and consultations have intensified in Bayelsa State as stakeholders focus on who will replace the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Even before his burial, political discussions had begun over his succession, especially following reports that he declined to join Governor Douye Diri in defecting from the Peoples 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 triggered debate over whether his replacement should come from Sagbama Local Government Area, his home base, or whether the state’s existing zoning arrangement within Bayelsa West Senatorial District should determine the choice.

Some stakeholders argue that fairness demands Sagbama produce the next deputy governor to complete the tenure. Ayebakuro Igbeta, one of those advocating this position, said Sagbama Constituency I should be allowed to finish the term since Ewhrudjakpo hailed from the area.

Others, however, insist that broader zoning considerations and equitable representation across the senatorial district should guide the appointment, warning that limiting the choice to one locality could disrupt the state’s political balance.

Under the Constitution, Governor Diri has the authority to nominate a replacement, subject to confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Several names have emerged as possible successors, including the governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr Peter Akpe, from Sagbama; Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy governor and a retired permanent secretary; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, from Brass Local Government Area; and Bayelsa APC chairman, Dr Dennis Otiotio, from Nembe (Bassambiri).

Former governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, criticised what he described as premature lobbying for the position, particularly before the late deputy governor’s burial on January 30. He maintained that the responsibility for selecting a successor rests solely with the governor.

“There is no contention about who should nominate a replacement for the late deputy governor. Even though I produced the governor and his deputy, I have neither interfered with the government nor sought any favours. For the six years so far, I have not put Diri under any pressure and will remain so for the remaining two years,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa, Mr David West, argued that for reasons of equity and political balance, the position should remain in Sagbama.

He noted that the state had long operated an informal zoning arrangement and said it should be respected for the remainder of the administration’s tenure. West also expressed concern over the delay in appointing a replacement, describing it as inconsistent with constitutional expectations.

“The new deputy ought to have been named shortly after the demise of the deputy governor. That does not mean we are not mourning him,” he said, adding that governance should not be disrupted.

He urged the governor to prioritise character, competence and broad acceptability in making the appointment, cautioning against using the position as political compensation.