Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to block the State House of Assembly from initiating impeachment proceedings against him, alleging political coercion over his refusal to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The suit, filed Thursday and docketed FHC/ABJ/CS/221/2025, follows mounting pressure on Ewhrudjakpo to align with Governor Douye Diri’s recent switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ewhrudjakpo claims the impeachment threat stems from his decision to remain with the PDP, the party under which he and Diri were jointly elected in 2023.

Represented by counsel Reuben Egwuaba, Ewhrudjakpo argues that the assembly’s actions violate his constitutional rights under Sections 188(5)–(9), (11), and 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, particularly his entitlement to a fair hearing and the preservation of his electoral mandate. He is seeking interim injunctions to halt any impeachment proceedings, prevent recognition of a replacement from the APC, and ensure continued protection from federal security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who heard the ex parte motion on October 27, ordered the defendants—including the assembly speaker, state chief judge, and clerk—to respond to the application and adjourned the matter to November 13 for arguments on the motion on notice. The court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in navigating the intensifying political standoff.

The case reflects growing tensions in Bayelsa following Diri’s defection, which PDP insiders attribute to federal overtures. Ewhrudjakpo also cited threats against other officials who have resisted switching parties, including Sagbama Local Government Chair Alice Tange, warning of potential instability in grassroots governance.

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has yet to issue a public response. However, the lawsuit lands amid a broader wave of defections nationwide, including the recent full migration of the Enugu State House of Assembly to the APC.