Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has instituted a legal action against the State House of Assembly over what he described as an orchestrated move to impeach him for refusing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, Ewhrudjakpo alleged that lawmakers were being pressured to remove him from office following his decision to remain with the PDP — the party under which he and Governor Douye Diri were elected.

While Governor Diri recently resigned from the PDP, the deputy governor has continued to identify with the party, a move that appears to have triggered political tension in Bayelsa’s seat of power.

Ewhrudjakpo Seeks Court Protection Against “Unconstitutional” Removal

Through his counsel, Reuben Egwuaba, the deputy governor told the court that several political officeholders across local governments — including Sagbama Council Chairperson, Alice Tange — were facing similar threats of removal for refusing to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ewhrudjakpo, therefore, sought interim orders restraining the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from initiating any impeachment proceedings or meetings against him on political grounds. He cited Sections 188(5)–(9), (11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to argue that any such move would be unconstitutional.

“Any attempt to remove me on the basis of political association or my refusal to join another party is not only undemocratic but violates the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Ewhrudjakpo stated in his supporting affidavit.

He also requested an injunction barring the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State from withdrawing his security detail pending the determination of his motion.

For context, read Tinubu Decorates New Service Chiefs, Charges Them to Reinforce National Security on Akahi News, as political and security realignments continue nationwide.

Court Orders Defendants to Appear and Show Cause

After hearing Egwuaba’s ex parte motion on October 27, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court ruled that the defendants should appear and explain why the interim injunctions sought by Ewhrudjakpo should not be granted.

The defendants include the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, its Speaker, the Inspector-General of Police, the DSS Director-General, the Attorney-General of Bayelsa State, the Chief Judge, and the Clerk of the Assembly.

Justice Nwite noted that the “interest of justice” would be best served by allowing all parties to present their positions before the court reaches a decision. The matter was adjourned to November 13, with the judge warning that failure by the defendants to appear would result in the motion being heard in their absence.

You can also read Court Halts Bayelsa Lawmakers’ Move to Suspend PDP Loyalists for a related political development.

Political Undercurrents and the Battle for Party Loyalty

Political observers see Ewhrudjakpo’s suit as a reflection of growing power tussles within Bayelsa’s political landscape, especially after Governor Diri’s recent switch to the APC.

The move has reportedly sparked divisions among party loyalists, with many PDP members alleging intimidation and attempts to coerce them into defecting. The deputy governor’s resistance has, therefore, become a symbolic test of political loyalty and constitutional rights in a state long dominated by the PDP.

This development mirrors ongoing political realignments seen across other states. Recently, PDP Heavyweights in Cross River North Defect to APC, signalling a broader shift in Nigeria’s political equilibrium.

For an analysis of the implications of party defections nationwide, see Why Political Defections Threaten Nigeria’s Democratic Stability.

Next Hearing and Possible Outcomes

The Federal High Court’s next sitting on November 13 is expected to determine whether the interim injunction will be granted pending the substantive hearing.

Legal experts told Akahi News that the case could set a crucial precedent on the limits of political coercion and the constitutional protection of elected officials’ freedom of association.

In a similar case, Court Rules Against Political Victimisation in Benue Deputy Speaker’s Defection Saga, judges reaffirmed that officeholders cannot be compelled to switch political allegiance under duress.

As Bayelsa’s political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the judiciary to determine whether Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to defect will stand as a victory for constitutional democracy or succumb to the prevailing tide of political expediency.

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