The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially announced the passing of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who died on Thursday.
Earlier reports of his collapse had triggered widespread concern across the state, prompting anxious reactions from political stakeholders and residents.
The confirmation came late Thursday night through a statement issued by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee and signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong.
The party described the development as deeply shocking, noting that the loss had thrown its national leadership and Bayelsa chapter into mourning. As of the time of the announcement, the Bayelsa State government had not released an official statement on the incident.
The PDP hailed Ewhrudjakpo as a devoted and reliable member whose loyalty and principles were never in doubt. According to the party, his death has left a significant void within its ranks, particularly among supporters in Bayelsa State who considered him a pillar of stability and integrity.
In its statement, the PDP said, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State and a trusted, faithful party man, His Excellency Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo, who reportedly collapsed and died earlier today.
“This devastating news has left the National Working Committee led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and indeed the entire membership of our great party, especially our faithful members in Bayelsa State, in profound grief.
“While alive, Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an honest and consistent politician who believed in and practiced politics with principle. He was a person of conviction, not convenience; a leader whose life was anchored on belief, integrity, and strength of character. He held firmly to these virtues until his final moments.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State on this painful and irreparable loss.”
Ewhrudjakpo had served as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa since 2020, working closely with Governor Douye Diri after being chosen as his running mate in the 2019 governorship election and retaining the position following their reelection in 2023. Until his sudden death, he remained a key figure within the PDP and was widely regarded for his steadfastness.
Notably, he was absent when Governor Diri defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October. After the defection, the governor insisted that he would not pressure Ewhrudjakpo into joining the ruling party, emphasizing that mutual engagement remained the preferred path forward.
In the weeks leading to his death, the deputy governor had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to stop the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from pursuing an impeachment move against him for refusing to leave the PDP. His legal action highlighted the deepening political tensions surrounding the state’s shifting partisan landscape.
What You Should Know
Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo was a longstanding PDP loyalist who served as Bayelsa State Deputy Governor from 2020 until his sudden death.
A politician known for discipline, conviction, and integrity, he maintained his loyalty to the PDP even after Governor Douye Diri defected to the APC. His refusal to cross over led to tensions within the state, culminating in an attempted impeachment which he challenged in court.
His passing leaves a major political vacuum in Bayelsa and has thrown the PDP into deep mourning, with the party paying tribute to his principled leadership and unwavering commitment to public service.
