The sudden death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, has triggered a fierce political contest over his succession, with party leaders, power brokers, and interest groups positioning themselves ahead of the next move.
Ewhrudjakpo, 60, who had recently stood firm amid political turbulence when Governor Douye Diri defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), chose to remain in the PDP. This decision had sparked months of tension, including a lawsuit against the State House of Assembly, later withdrawn after Diri facilitated an out-of-court settlement.
His sudden death in his Yenagoa office shocked the state. Hours before, he had met with UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, and posted photos on social media, with no signs of impending tragedy. Tributes poured in, including from former President Goodluck Jonathan, who praised him as “a devoted steward of Bayelsa, a patriot, and a loyal servant of our state and nation.”
Political chessboard unfolds
Attention quickly turned to who would fill the vacant office, sparking debates over zoning and political equity. Many insist the next deputy governor should come from Sagbama Local Government Area, Ewhrudjakpo’s home base.
Former Governor Seriake Dickson, now a senator, is believed to be a key influencer behind the scenes, quietly supporting his former deputy chief of staff, Hon. Ebizi Rosemary Brown Ndiomu, whose emergence would maintain Sagbama’s hold and reinforce Dickson’s relevance.
Meanwhile, Jonathan’s influence looms large. His previous endorsement of Diri in 2023 was pivotal, and observers say his voice—spoken or silent—could tilt the succession in any direction.
Heineken Lokpobiri, former Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development and now Minister of State for Petroleum, is another strategic player. With governorship ambitions for 2027, his moves are closely watched for future implications.
At the centre remains Governor Douye Diri, whose public discretion has intensified speculation. Potential contenders reportedly include:
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Pastor Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff and Diri’s maternal cousin
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Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, MD/CEO of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, with federal ties
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Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly
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Dr. Dennis Otiotio, Bayelsa APC chairman, who recently reconciled with Diri
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Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, late deputy governor’s elder brother and Diri aide, as a symbolic choice
Party chieftains are divided. PDP stalwart Christopher Abarowe emphasizes balancing APC-PDP interests in the state, while APC chieftain John Asawana argues for retaining Sagbama’s slot based on integrity and continuity.
The contest ultimately rests on Governor Diri’s decision, leaving Bayelsa suspended between mourning and maneuvering in a political drama influenced by loyalty, zoning, federal whispers, and strategic calculation.
