Defection Looms: Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Sen Dickson Set to Abandon PDP

Bayelsa’s political landscape is bracing for major shifts as Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and Senator Seriake Dickson appear set to leave the Peoples Democratic Party. Sources say both men have grown increasingly uneasy over the state of the party and are weighing new political platforms ahead of the next election cycle.

Ewhrudjakpo, who has refused to follow Governor Duoye Diri into the All Progressives Congress after Diri’s November 3 defection, is reportedly eyeing the African Democratic Congress as a possible vehicle for a gubernatorial run. Dickson is also said to be considering the same party as he explores a return to the Senate. The pair have long maintained a strong political alliance, dating back to Dickson’s years as governor when he sponsored Ewhrudjakpo for a Senate seat and later recommended him as Diri’s running mate.

Tensions have escalated since Ewhrudjakpo sought a court order to stop the state House of Assembly from impeaching him over his refusal to join the APC. The matter remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja. At a recent State Executive Council meeting, Diri dismissed speculation that he was behind the impeachment moves and said he would not pressure his deputy to defect, adding that he preferred dialogue over confrontation.

A senior official in the Governor’s Office confirmed that speculation about Dickson and Ewhrudjakpo’s next moves has gained traction, noting Dickson’s alleged links with the ADC and claims that he helped facilitate appointments for some of the party’s officials in the state. The source said Dickson’s influence and long-standing political structure mean he could secure his own victory if he chooses to run under another platform.

Not everyone in the administration shares confidence in the ADC. An associate of the governor argued that the party lacks the strength to win any local government area in Bayelsa and predicted that most politicians would avoid it. He suggested that while Dickson might attempt a move due to uncertainty about securing a third Senate term within the PDP, many others would stick with major parties.

For now, Ewhrudjakpo’s camp remains silent. His media aide, Doubara Otasi, said he has no information on the deputy governor’s next steps.