The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The confirmation was made in a statement released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
Ewhrudjakpo reportedly collapsed on Thursday while working in his office at the Government House in Yenagoa. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, but he later passed away. He was 60 years old.
People close to him said he suddenly slumped during official duties. Although the exact cause of death has not yet been announced, some sources suggested it may have been cardiac arrest. His unexpected passing caused shock and worry in Government House and across Yenagoa, where many residents described him as a hardworking leader who often worked late into the night.
As of Thursday night, the Bayelsa State Government had not issued an official statement. His media aide, Doubra Atazi, and the Commissioner for Information, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, also declined to comment.
In its statement, the PDP described Ewhrudjakpo as a loyal and principled politician. The party said he was known for his honesty, integrity, and strong character. The PDP expressed deep sadness over his death and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
His Career in Politics
Ewhrudjakpo was a lawyer. He served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure from 2012 to 2018 under former Governor Seriake Dickson.
During this period, he supervised several major projects, including the Bayelsa International Airport, which was completed during a difficult economic period.
He later contested and won the Bayelsa West Senate seat in 2019, defeating his APC opponent with a wide margin.
When the Supreme Court cancelled the election of Chief David Lyon due to issues with his running mate’s certificates, Ewhrudjakpo became Deputy Governor alongside Governor Douye Diri on February 14, 2020.
In the Diri administration, he helped settle community disputes and contributed to securing key national infrastructure. He also led the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, which works to fight piracy and other maritime crimes.
Impeachment Issues
After Governor Diri defected to the APC in October 2025, Ewhrudjakpo remained in the PDP. This caused tension between the two men.
Ewhrudjakpo sought a court order to stop moves by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to impeach him. The court ordered lawmakers to suspend any impeachment actions until the case is decided.
Governor Diri later said he would not force Ewhrudjakpo to join the APC and urged political unity for the sake of peace and development in the state.
Passion for Teaching
Despite his busy schedule, Ewhrudjakpo still found time to teach law students at Niger Delta University for free. He once said that after leaving public office, he wanted to return fully to teaching future leaders.
2027 Governorship Ambition
Before his death, it was widely believed that Ewhrudjakpo planned to contest the 2027 Bayelsa governorship election. Many reports suggested that former Governor Seriake Dickson, his political mentor, strongly supported him. Both men are from Sagbama Local Government Area.
