As the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douyi Diri finalizes arrangements to join the APC, information has emerged that his deputy, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, will remain in the PDP for now.
Also, his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, two members of the House Representatives from the state, Fred Agbedi and Mitema Orbodor, are not likely to move to the APC.
TNN learnt that the deputy governor and Dickson would not leave the PDP because of Ewhrujadkpo’s perceived 2027 gubernatorial ambition.
It was not clear as at Thursday, whether he will remain in the PDP till 2027, but it was learnt that Dickson, believed to Ewhrudjakpo’s political godfather, may be joining the ADC anytime soon.
Sources said Dickson does not seem to be certain that the deputy governor would get the APC ticket if he followed Diri to the APC, hence the decision to plan a movement with all his loyalists to the ADC.
Those close to him believe that because of Diri’s closeness to the minister of state, oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, he was very likely to give support to the minister to succeed him.
Both Ewhrudjakpo and Lokpobiri are from Bayelsa West Senatorial District. The deputy governor is from Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government, while Lokpobiri is from Ekeremor.
Reasons for Orbodor and Agbedi’s decisions not to join the APC was not clear as at Thursday. But sources said it may not be unconnected with the speculated aspiration of Dr Goodluck Jonathan to return to power as Nigerian president.
Before now, it was believed that Ogbia people of Bayelsa East Senatorial District, would have the right of first refusal when it comes to choosing the next governor.
