Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, faces impeachment by the House of Assembly as Governor Douye Diri formally declares for the All Progressives Congress (APC) today.

Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after Diri’s resignation from the party on October 15 has triggered tension within the state government. The House of Assembly, allegedly under Diri’s influence, has begun impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

In response, Ewhrudjakpo approached the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, seeking to halt the process.

Speaking on Sunday during the state’s 14th annual thanksgiving service ahead of his defection, Diri said his decision to leave the PDP was driven by the best interests of Bayelsa.

“Somebody had to take the decision, and I took it on behalf of the state. I took it in the best interest of the state. Some of you might not understand now, but later it will be clear to all,” Diri said.

He added that his administration’s focus had been on completing inherited projects, initiating new ones, and maintaining peace and security. “Politics is for development, not to kill your brother,” he said, adding that the large turnout at the service was proof of Bayelsa’s unity.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described Diri’s defection as a strategic alignment with the centre, cautioning politicians to consider the implications of disloyalty — a veiled reference to Ewhrudjakpo’s decision to remain in the PDP.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Senior Policy Adviser, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united, saying the state’s development depended on its cohesion. He also praised Bayelsa’s tradition of thanksgiving, calling it an attitude that attracts divine blessings.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, lauded Diri’s “visible developmental strides,” describing him as “a godsend to the state.”

Why Ewhrudjakpo stayed in PDP

Ewhrudjakpo’s loyalty to former Governor Seriake Dickson, who represents Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, is believed to be behind his refusal to defect. Both men hail from Sagbama Local Government Area, and Dickson is regarded as a political mentor to both Diri and Ewhrudjakpo.

Dickson confirmed to reporters at the National Assembly that Diri had approached him several times to join the APC, but he declined.

Observers believe Ewhrudjakpo’s allegiance to Dickson remains firm and may position him as a key PDP contender for the 2027 governorship election.

Yenagoa streets decked in APC colours

Daily Trust observed that major streets in Yenagoa have been adorned with giant billboards welcoming Diri to the APC.

The Government House roundabout now displays APC flags, while PDP flags previously mounted there have been removed.

The last time PDP insignia were taken down from the Creek Haven roundabout was in February 2019, ahead of the planned swearing-in of APC’s Chief David Lyon, whose election was annulled by the Supreme Court a day before the event. (Daily Trust)