The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday night confirmed the passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo, following hours of speculation earlier in the day about his condition.
Tension had spread across political circles in Bayelsa on Thursday after unverified reports suggested that the deputy governor had collapsed.
The speculation intensified as neither the state government nor his aides offered immediate clarification.
In a statement issued late Thursday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Ini Ememobong, announced the party’s confirmation of Ewhrudjakpo’s death, describing the news as “deeply shocking” to the PDP leadership and membership nationwide.
The statement, released on behalf of the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee, portrayed the late deputy governor as a steadfast and principled politician whose loyalty to the party never wavered.
According to the PDP, Ewhrudjakpo was admired for his integrity, consistency, and adherence to political values, traits the party said he upheld until his sudden passing.
The party extended its condolences to the people and government of Bayelsa State and prayed for the repose of his soul.
As of Thursday night, the Bayelsa State government had not issued its own official announcement on the incident.
Ewhrudjakpo had served as deputy governor since 2020, after being selected as the running mate to Governor Douye Diri for the 2019 governorship election.
The duo secured a second term mandate in the 2023 polls.
In recent months, however, his political journey had been marked by tension. When Governor Diri defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October, Ewhrudjakpo notably chose not to follow.
Diri later stated that he would not pressure his deputy to switch parties, acknowledging their political differences but expressing hope for continued cooperation.
The divide widened when Ewhrudjakpo approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking legal protection against an alleged impeachment attempt by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The lawmakers were reportedly moving against him due to his refusal to abandon the PDP after the governor’s defection.
The PDP has called on members and sympathisers to keep the late deputy governor’s family and the people of Bayelsa in their prayers as the state absorbs the shock of the news.
Tributes from political leaders and institutions are expected in the coming days.
Ewhrudjakpo’s death leaves a significant vacuum in Bayelsa’s political leadership at a time of internal realignments and heightened party tensions within the state.
