The political atmosphere in Bayelsa State has taken a dramatic turn as the Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has filed a suit against the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, alleging a plot to impeach him for refusing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025 and filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, Ewhrudjakpo claimed that lawmakers in the state assembly were under “immense pressure” to remove him from office following his decision to remain in the PDP, even after Governor Douye Diri reportedly resigned from the party.
Represented by his counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, the deputy governor further alleged that some local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, were also being coerced and threatened with removal for standing by the PDP.
Ewhrudjakpo is seeking multiple interim injunctions, including one restraining the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from initiating or conducting any impeachment proceedings against him in violation of Sections 188(5–9), (11), and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He also asked the court to bar the assembly from recognising or dealing with any member of the APC as the deputy governor of the state. Additionally, he is seeking an order restraining the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State from withdrawing his official security protection pending the determination of the motion on notice.
After listening to Egwuaba move the ex parte application on October 27, presiding judge Justice Emeka Nwite ordered all the defendants to appear before the court and show cause why the interim orders sought by the plaintiff should not be granted.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite held that the order was necessary in the interest of justice, stating:
“The interest of justice will be met by issuing an order for all the defendants to appear and show cause why an order of interim injunction should not be granted against them pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the plaintiff.”
Listed as defendants in the suit are the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, and the Clerk of the House of Assembly.
The case has been adjourned to November 13, when the defendants are expected to appear and show cause, failing which the court may proceed to hear the substantive motion.
Political observers say the suit signals deepening cracks within Bayelsa’s political hierarchy, with Ewhrudjakpo’s defiance posing a major test of loyalty and power balance in the state’s evolving political landscape.
