Succession Battle Brews In Bayelsa Over Late Deputy Gov’s Replacement

Consultations and quiet lobbying have intensified in Bayelsa State as stakeholders weigh who should succeed the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Naija News reports that Ewhrudjakpo died on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60, after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa. He was later pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

Even before his burial on January 30, political realignments had begun, with attention shifting to how the vacancy would be filled under Governor Douye Diri’s administration.

The debate has centred on whether the deputy governor’s replacement should come specifically from Sagbama Local Government Area, Ewhrudjakpo’s home base, or whether the broader zoning arrangement within Bayelsa West Senatorial District should guide the selection.

Some stakeholders insist that fairness demands Sagbama be allowed to complete the tenure.

Ayebakuro Igbeta, one of the voices from the area, argued that Sagbama Constituency I should retain the slot in honour of the late deputy governor.

Others, however, warned against narrowing the decision to a single local government, stressing the need to preserve the political balance across the senatorial district.

Under Nigeria’s Constitution, the power to nominate a replacement rests with the governor, subject to confirmation by the state House of Assembly.

Among those reportedly being considered are:

Dr Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff to the Governor, from Sagbama;

Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy governor and a retired permanent secretary;

Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, from Brass Local Government Area;

Dr Dennis Otiotio, Bayelsa APC chairman from Nembe (Bassambiri).

The political undercurrent has been heightened by reports that Ewhrudjakpo had declined to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Diri, adding another layer to the unfolding succession dynamics.

According to The PUNCH, former governor and senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, criticised the intense lobbying that began even before the deputy governor’s burial.

“There is no contention about who should nominate a replacement for the late deputy governor,” Dickson said.

“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.”

His comments appear aimed at calming speculation of external influence in the selection process.

The Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa, Mr David West, argued that the position should remain in Sagbama for equity and continuity.

“Before the emergence of the governor and his late deputy, there was a political arrangement many people referred to as zoning. This arrangement should be maintained for the next two years of Governor Diri’s administration,” West said.

He criticised what he described as delays in filling the vacancy.

“Keeping the appointment of the deputy governor too long is an aberration of the constitution. The new deputy ought to have been named at least 24 hours after the demise of the deputy governor. That does not mean we are not mourning him.”

West added that governance had slowed in the deputy governor’s absence.

“As I speak to you now, the governor is not in the state, and state activities are at a standstill, which is not proper,” he said.

He urged Governor Diri to prioritise character, competence and acceptability in choosing a successor, cautioning against using the appointment as political compensation.