Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy
Political pressure is intensifying on Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa State, over who should be nominated as the next deputy governor following the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo late last year. With stakeholders and political actors pushing contrasting views on the succession, pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy as consultation and lobbying continue ahead of a formal nomination.
Ewhrudjakpo died on December 11, 2025, after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. The news sent political shockwaves across the state and prompted debate about constitutional succession and political zoning arrangements within the Bayelsa West Senatorial District. Under the 1999 Constitution, the governor has the authority to nominate a replacement, subject to confirmation by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, but many residents and political groups argue that local political balance should guide the choice.
Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy as consultations began even before the burial of Ewhrudjakpo on January 30, 2026. Some stakeholders argue that Sagbama Local Government Area, the home base of the late deputy governor, should be allowed to produce the next occupant of the number two seat for the remainder of the current administration’s tenure. Ayebakuro Igbeta, one of the Sagbama advocates, said the locality deserves succession out of fairness to Ewhrudjakpo and his community.
However, others insist that broader zoning considerations should be applied to maintain political equilibrium within the senatorial district. Many Bayelsans fear that limiting the choice to a single local government could upset political harmony and undermine inclusive representation across the region. Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy as voices from different quarters weigh in on the ideal approach.
Several names have already surfaced as possible successors to the late deputy governor. Among those floated are Dr. Peter Akpe, Chief of Staff to Governor Diri and a native of Sagbama; Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, the retired brother of the late deputy governor; Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa Assembly, from Brass Local Government Area; and Dr. Dennis Otiotio, chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa from Nembe (Bassambiri).
Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy at a time when political dynamics in the state have been complicated by earlier defections and realignments. In late 2025, Governor Diri defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, but his deputy remained in the PDP, creating a rare situation of executive leadership split across partisan lines. This political divergence previously sparked threats of impeachment against Ewhrudjakpo, who then took legal action to restrain the Bayelsa Assembly from removing him for refusing to defect.
Former governor and current senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, criticised the intense lobbying even before the burial of the late deputy governor, urging patience and respect for the constitutional process. According to him, the responsibility for the appointment rests solely with the governor, and external pressures or premature negotiations should give way to due process. Dickson’s intervention reflects concerns that political jockeying may overshadow constitutional obligations at a sensitive moment.
https://ogelenews.ng/pressure-mounts-on-bayelsa-gov-over-choice-of-deputy
Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy not just because of political balance but also because of the potential implications for governance continuity. Critics have said that the absence of a deputy has slowed state activities and underscored the importance of a prompt and considered appointment. The chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation, Bayelsa State chapter, Mr David West, argued that the state needs a full executive team to ensure smooth governance. He noted that informal zoning arrangements, sometimes observed in Bayelsa politics, should be respected for reasons of equity and continuity.
“Keeping the appointment of the deputy governor too long is an aberration of the constitution,” West said, adding that while mourning is appropriate, governance cannot be put on hold indefinitely. “As I speak to you now, the governor is not in the state, and some state activities are at a standstill, which is not proper,” he added.
Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy also because of broader concerns about how the vacancy will affect party dynamics and electoral prospects. Some political analysts say that failing to resolve the succession quickly could create uncertainty among investors, civil servants and local communities. They argue that a swift, transparent nomination process would strengthen public confidence in leadership and uphold constitutional norms.
As the political heat rises, party leaders and stakeholders continue to consult with the governor’s office. Supporters of various aspirants say they want the choice to reflect both competence and broad acceptability, cautioning against selecting a candidate purely on ethnic or local government affiliation.
Amid the contest, Governor Diri has not publicly signalled a firm choice, though political watchers expect intense negotiations behind closed doors. Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy as the deadline for nomination approaches, and the governor prepares to submit a candidate for approval by the Bayelsa Assembly.
Whether Diri will opt for a Sagbama candidate or favour broader senatorial district balance, his decision is likely to influence political alliances and power structures in the state ahead of future elections.
http://punchng.com/pressure-mounts-on-bayelsa-gov-over-choice-of-deputy
Pressure mounts on Bayelsa gov over choice of deputy.
