Bayelsa Deputy Governor Sues State Assembly Over Alleged Impeachment Plot
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging an alleged move by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to impeach him.
In an originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, Ewhrudjakpo, through his counsel Reuben Egwuaba, contends that members of the Assembly are under pressure to remove him from office solely because he has refused to resign from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—the platform on which he and Governor Douye Diri were elected.
While Governor Diri recently defected from the PDP, Ewhrudjakpo has remained in the party. The deputy governor further alleged that some local government chairpersons, including Alice Tange of Sagbama LGA, are also facing threats of removal for declining to defect.
Ewhrudjakpo is seeking, among others:
– An interim injunction restraining the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from initiating or conducting impeachment proceedings against him on account of his continued membership of the PDP.
– A declaration that any such move would contravene Sections 188(5)–(9), (11) and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
– An order restraining the Assembly from recognising or dealing with any member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
– An order restraining the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Bayelsa State Attorney-General from withdrawing his security protection pending the determination of the motion on notice.
Upon hearing the ex parte application on 27 October 2025, Justice Emeka Nwite directed the defendants to appear and show cause why the interim orders sought should not be granted.
The defendants listed in the suit include: Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the Assembly, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the DSS, Bayelsa State Attorney-General, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Clerk of the Assembly
Justice Nwite held that the interest of justice would be best served by affording the defendants an opportunity to respond before the court rules on the interim injunction.
The matter has been adjourned to 13 November 2025 for the defendants to show cause, after which the court will proceed to hear the substantive motion on notice.
