“We’re Going Nowhere” — Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo Affirms PDP Loyalty Amid Governor’s APC Defection

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has formally distanced himself from Governor Douye Diri’s reported defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), affirming his continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Sources close to the party revealed that Ewhrudjakpo, alongside former Governor Seriake Dickson and other PDP stalwarts, remain committed to the party, insisting that the PDP continues to hold significant influence in Bayelsa and across Nigeria. A party insider stated, “The Deputy Governor, Ewhrudjakpo, and other leaders in our party are still with the PDP; we’re going nowhere.”

Governor Diri had announced his resignation from the PDP on Wednesday through his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, without providing details for his move to the ruling APC. However, it was reported that Ewhrudjakpo deliberately abstained from attending the State Executive Council meeting where the governor made the announcement, signaling his refusal to follow Diri into another party.

An insider said, “Earlier this morning, Diri presided over the SEC meeting, but the deputy governor refused to attend. He didn’t attend because he’s not defecting alongside the governor.”

Lawmakers who joined Diri in defecting are reportedly considering impeachment proceedings against Ewhrudjakpo, citing his refusal to leave the PDP as “gross misconduct” and an impeachable offence. Another source added, “If the State Assembly victimises him for remaining in the PDP, he may be forced to take appropriate action.”

Ewhrudjakpo, a lawyer and former senator for Bayelsa West, has been a key figure in the PDP since his election alongside Diri in 2019, and subsequent re-election in 2023. He has held several strategic roles, including chair of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, and remains a prominent advocate for party loyalty and political stability in the state.

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