Political tension in Bayelsa State has intensified as Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop what he described as a coordinated plan to remove him from office.
Ewhrudjakpo’s move followed reports of an alleged impeachment plot by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, reportedly over his refusal to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The controversy stems from the recent resignation of Governor Douye Diri and most members of his political team from the PDP. Though the governor has not yet defected to another party, his exit, along with that of 19 of the 24 state lawmakers, has created sharp divisions within Bayelsa’s political landscape.
In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2219/2025, filed through his lawyer Reuben Egwuaba, Ewhrudjakpo asked the court to restrain the House of Assembly, its Speaker, Abraham Ingobere and other government officials from taking any step that could lead to his impeachment.
He argued that any such move would violate Sections 188(5–11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee due process and fair hearing for elected officials.
The deputy governor also sought an order preventing the Inspector General of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Bayelsa State Attorney General from withdrawing his security details while the matter is before the court.
An affidavit supporting the ex parte motion, deposed to by Kareem Henry on October 15, alleged that the impeachment threat was politically motivated and aimed at compelling Ewhrudjakpo to quit the PDP before the end of his tenure.
In a ruling on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the Bayelsa House of Assembly, its Speaker and five others to appear before the court on November 13, 2025, to show cause why they should not be restrained from proceeding with the impeachment.
The judge granted part of the deputy governor’s prayers “in the interest of justice” but reserved further rulings until the hearing of the substantive motion for interlocutory injunction.
Sen. Ewhrudjakpo’s legal action adds a new twist to Bayelsa’s evolving political drama, as the state watches how the court’s decision could shape the balance of power within the government.
