Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo is now facing an impeachment threat ahead of the defection of his superior to the ruling party APC.
His refusal to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join Governor Douye Diri in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has triggered a serious political showdown in the state.
Lawmakers in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly are reportedly moving to remove him from office.
The tension began shortly after the governor formally resigned from the PDP on October 15 and prepared to defect to the APC.
Insiders say the Assembly has already started the process, allegedly on the governor’s instruction.
The deputy governor, however, quickly approached the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, seeking an order to stop the lawmakers from proceeding with the impeachment.
Speaking during the state’s 14th annual thanksgiving service in Yenagoa, Diri defended his move to the APC.
He insisted his defection was a strategic decision for the benefit of Bayelsa and for peace with the Federal Government.
“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,” he said.
He also emphasized that politics should focus on growth and unity. “Politics is for development, not to kill your brother,” the governor added during the thanksgiving service.
The political shift has drawn reactions from key figures. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, praised the move, calling it a “strategic alignment with the centre” and subtly warning against disloyalty — a comment seen as directed at Ewhrudjakpo.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his adviser Funkekeme Solomon, urged Bayelsans to remain united, noting that progress depends on peace.
Meanwhile, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, commended Diri’s “visible developmental strides” and called him “a godsend to the state.”
However, Ewhrudjakpo’s loyalty to former Governor Seriake Dickson who is a key PDP figure and his political mentor is the main reason he refused to defect. Dickson also confirmed that he declined invitations from Diri to join the APC.
As the drama unfolds, Yenagoa has already taken on new colours. Fresh APC banners now line major roads, while PDP flags have been removed from key government locations. This is a clear sign of shifting power in the oil-rich state.
