Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and former Governor Seriake Dickson are reportedly preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to ongoing uncertainties within the opposition party’s leadership.

Sources close to the political figures revealed that Dickson and Ewhrudjakpo are in discussions to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where Dickson is likely to return to the Senate, and Ewhrudjakpo is said to be preparing to contest for the governorship of Bayelsa State.

The political relationship between the two has been significant. Dickson had initially sponsored Ewhrudjakpo for the Senate before the latter became the running mate to Governor Douye Diri. However, after Ewhrudjakpo became the deputy governor, he vacated the Senate seat, which Dickson then filled through a by-election.

Ewhrudjakpo’s refusal to follow Governor Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 3 is at the heart of the reported split. Ewhrudjakpo is said to have sought a court order to prevent the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from proceeding with his impeachment over his decision not to join the APC. The case is currently pending in the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Despite these tensions, Governor Diri has pledged not to force Ewhrudjakpo to join the APC, opting instead for a more diplomatic approach. In addressing the issue, Diri assured that he would engage in discussions with his deputy to avoid confrontation.

The speculation regarding the departure of Dickson and Ewhrudjakpo from PDP has gained traction, particularly given Dickson’s connections with the ADC. It is alleged that Dickson has played a role in influencing appointments within the ADC in Bayelsa. Sources suggest that Dickson and Ewhrudjakpo may defect to the ADC together, though some local politicians argue that the party has not yet garnered widespread support in the state.

An associate of Governor Diri suggested that while Ewhrudjakpo might eventually follow his principal to the APC, the ADC remains an unlikely option due to the party’s lack of significant influence in Bayelsa. However, they acknowledged that Dickson could make a personal move to the ADC, as he possesses the resources and political structure to remain a formidable force within his senatorial district.

The situation remains fluid, with some sources speculating that the ADC may not yet be a viable option for the broader political landscape in Bayelsa. As one associate noted, while Dickson may succeed in delivering himself in the ADC, the party is unlikely to have the same impact in other parts of the state.

Meanwhile, Doubara Otasi, a media aide to Ewhrudjakpo, denied knowledge of the deputy governor’s next political move.