By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The sudden death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on December 11, 2025, in Yenagoa, has triggered an intense political scramble. Who will succeed him, what influences the choice, where the power lies, when the decision will be made, why zoning matters, and how stakeholders are lobbying now dominate the state’s political conversation.
Loyalty vs Zoning: The Core Debate
APC chieftain John Asawana insists integrity should outweigh political arithmetic. “Sagbama should retain the position. The governor must appoint someone credible, not already rewarded with political office,” he said.
Bayelsa now faces a complex tug-of-war: loyalty versus zoning, federal influence versus local equilibrium, sentiment versus strategy.
Key Contenders in the Race
Several names have emerged in the deputy governorship contest:
- Dr. Peter Akpe – Chief of Staff and maternal cousin to Governor Douye Diri. Akpe’s administrative skill and strong connections to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu boost his candidacy.
- Dr. Dennis Otiotio – Bayelsa APC chairman from Nembe. Once a fierce critic of Diri, he welcomed the governor into the APC in November 2025. His reconciliation may affect his consideration.
- Christopher Ewhrudjakpo – Elder brother of the late deputy governor and current aide to Diri. His appointment could carry emotional weight but may conflict with political pragmatism.
Stakeholders Weigh In
Party leaders openly project preferences as lobbying intensifies:
- PDP stalwart Christopher Abarowe stresses a “political marriage” between APC and PDP, recommending figures such as Prince Ebitimi Amgbare and Briya Aganaba.
- Prince Ebitimi Amgbare leverages federal goodwill and APC roots, bridging old APC structures with Diri’s new political alignment.
- Zoning advocates argue that Sagbama, the late Ewhrudjakpo’s home base, should retain the office.
Influence of Bayelsa’s Political Heavyweights
The succession debate involves major figures:
- Governor Douye Diri remains at the center. His silence intensifies speculation, with insiders suggesting he favors Chief of Staff Peter Akpe.
- Heineken Lokpobiri – Former Minister and current Minister of State for Petroleum. His federal leverage and local networks position him as a strong contender.
- Former President Goodluck Jonathan – His past endorsement of Diri proves decisive. His current silence leaves stakeholders guessing.
- Seriake Dickson – Former governor and current senator. Observers believe he may support former deputy chief of staff Hon. Ebizi Rosemary Brown Ndiomu to preserve Sagbama’s influence.
The Chessboard of Ambitions
Beyond loyalty and zoning, long-term ambitions influence the race. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, maintains a close relationship with Diri and could either strengthen or complicate his own 2027 gubernatorial path.
Every gesture, meeting, and handshake is analyzed for meaning. In Bayelsa, political influence is inferred, not declared.
Mourning and Manoeuvring
Bayelsa mourns the sudden loss of a committed deputy governor, yet political calculations have resumed. Lobbying for the next deputy governor has intensified, with equity, zoning, and strategic alliances shaping the conversations behind closed doors.
The final decision rests with Governor Diri, whose signature will settle the contest. Until then, Bayelsa remains suspended between grief and manoeuvring in a political drama that shows no sign of slowing.
