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Oscar Okhifo

A major political crisis has erupted in Bayelsa State as Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo faces an impeachment plot after refusing to join Governor Douye Diri in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Diri is expected to formally announce his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his entry into the APC today, alongside a large number of state lawmakers who have already switched allegiance.

However, the Deputy Governor has chosen to remain in the PDP, a decision that has angered members of the State House of Assembly now aligned with the governor.

 Lawmakers are reportedly moving to remove Ewhrudjakpo over what they describe as “loss of political harmony necessary for governance.”

In response, Ewhrudjakpo has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to halt the proceedings.

He is asking the court to restrain the Assembly and other government organs from initiating any impeachment action, stressing that refusing to abandon his political party is not a constitutional offence.

Observers note that it is a common trend in Nigerian politics for governors to move against deputies who do not “play ball.” Even when courts intervene to halt harassment or impeachment, state assemblies, which are often aligned with the governor, sometimes proceed regardless.

 This has prompted criticism that the country’s version of democracy allows for the abuse of political power.

 Political analysts describe today’s defection by Governor Diri as a major realignment in the state’s power structure, potentially altering Bayelsa politics ahead of future elections.

While Governor Diri has defended his decision as being in the best interest of the state and “a step for growth and peace,” party loyalists accuse him of betrayal and placing personal ambitions above party stability.

As the legal battle unfolds, tensions continue to rise within Government House, leaving Bayelsa residents anxious about a looming showdown between the state’s two highest officeholders.