Political consultations and lobbying have escalated in Bayelsa State as the search for a successor to the late deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gathers momentum. Ewhrudjakpo, who passed away on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60, collapsed in his office in Yenagoa and was pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre.
Even before his burial on January 30, stakeholders debated whether the next deputy governor should hail from Sagbama Local Government Area, the late deputy’s constituency, or adhere to existing zoning arrangements across Bayelsa West Senatorial District. Some argue fairness dictates Sagbama should complete the tenure, while others caution that broader representation should guide the decision to maintain political balance.
Names being floated for the position include Dr. Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff to the Governor from Sagbama; Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy; Speaker of the State House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere from Brass; and APC State Chairman Dr. Dennis Otiotio from Nembe.
Former Governor Seriake Dickson called for restraint, emphasising that the responsibility to nominate the successor rests solely with Governor Douye Diri.
David West, chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation in Bayelsa, urged that the replacement should prioritise character, competence, and acceptability, warning against political compensation or delaying the appointment any further.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, Governor Diri has the power to nominate a replacement, subject to confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, and observers note that the choice will likely set the tone for the remaining two years of the administration.
