Reports of his collapse earlier in the day sparked anxiety before the party confirmed the deputy governor’s passing.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has confirmed the death of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Oboraw-Harievwo Ewhrudjakpo on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the political landscape.
Earlier reports had sparked anxiety after the deputy governor reportedly collapsed. The news of his passing was officially confirmed in a statement released Thursday night by the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong. The party described the development as “shocking” and deeply saddening.
In its statement, the PDP hailed Ewhrudjakpo as a trusted and faithful party member whose passing has left the party, particularly the faithful 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. We are deeply saddened by the passing of this hero of political integrity, and we pray that God grants his soul eternal rest,” the party said.
Ewhrudjakpo served as Deputy Governor under Governor Douye Diri from 2020 until his death. He was first selected as Diri’s running mate in the November 2019 Bayelsa State governorship election and retained the position after their reelection in 2023.
Prior to his death, Ewhrudjakpo had been absent during Governor Diri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in October. Governor Diri had assured that he would not compel his deputy to join the ruling party, emphasizing continued collaboration for the state’s development.
Earlier, Ewhrudjakpo had also approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to restrain the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from pursuing an impeachment plot over his loyalty to the PDP.
The PDP extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bayelsa State over this irreparable loss.
