After the sudden death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo in December 2025, political stakeholders in the state have engaged in discussions and alignment around possible candidates for the next deputy governor position, reflecting evolving dynamics among party leaders and interest groups.
Mr Ewhrudjakpo died on December 11, 2025, at age 60, while serving as deputy governor. His passing followed a period of political disagreement within the state, particularly after Governor Douye Diri defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in November 2025, a move Mr Ewhrudjakpo did not follow.
Before his death, the deputy governor had taken legal action to challenge moves related to his position but later withdrew the suit.
The vacancy has prompted discussions among Bayelsa’s political class about the next occupant of the office, with considerations linked to party balance, geographic zoning and ongoing political alliances within the state.
Following Ewhrudjakpo’s death, several names have surfaced among party strategists and officials as potential candidates to fill the deputy governorship post.
These discussions reflect differing views on balance between party interests and representation across local government areas:
Governor Douye Diri’s position is central in choosing the next deputy governor. Sources familiar with the situation say that he has not publicly indicated a formal preference.
Chief of Staff Pastor Peter Akpe, who also serves as a maternal cousin to Governor Diri, has been cited in internal conversations as someone with administrative experience and daily access to the governor.
Hon. Ebizi Rosemary Brown Ndiomu, a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Sagbama III, has been identified by some party observers as a possible contender, which would maintain representation from Sagbama Local Government Area, the base of the late deputy governor.
Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Brass Constituency III, is also among individuals mentioned in political circles due to his legislative leadership and cooperation with the executive.
Dr. Dennis Otiotio, Bayelsa State APC Chairman, and Christopher Ewhrudjakpo, elder brother of the late deputy governor and government aide, have been referenced as figures in broader party discussions but have not been formally nominated.
Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum and former Bayelsa West Senator, is noted for his presence in ongoing political conversations through public appearances and past governorship ambition, though he has not declared interest for the deputy post.
Political leaders and party chieftains in Bayelsa have also commented on the importance of keeping the office within Sagbama Local Government Area, citing an informal understanding about regional rotation that existed before the vacancy.
The discussions about the next deputy governor reflect the interplay of party strategy, geographic equity and individual political trajectories within Bayelsa State.
The choice of a new deputy governor carries implications for upcoming political cycles, including preparations for the 2027 general elections and ongoing party consolidation after recent defections.
Maintaining regional balance, especially by considering candidates from the Sagbama area, resonates with local stakeholders seeking continuity. At the same time, senior political figures with federal experience, such as Lokpobiri, are part of broader calculations about influence and future leadership pathways.
