Following the defection of Governor Douye Diri from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the political permutations in Bayelsa State alters significantly, throwing up early contenders for the 2027 governorship race
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
As the 2027 general elections gradually inches closer, political activities in the oil-rich Bayelsa State are beginning to gather momentum and strategizing for the governorship position of the state. Although, Governor Douye Diri who just defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) is yet to make any public pronouncement about his political future, there are strong indications that the contest for the governorship ticket may be fierce with several big names within the PDP and APC, the dominant two parties already being quietly positioned for the race.
From seasoned technocrats to political heavy weights, the list of possible contenders paints a picture of ambition, strategy and intraparty calculations that could define the next phase of Bayelsa politics. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum is currently preparing to declare his ambition to contest for governorship in 2027 under the platform of APC which is now the ruling party in the state.
Although, he has not made his ambitions public knowledge, Lokpobiri is still keeping his plans under wraps. According to a reliable source close to him, he is currently assembling a team of loyalists and media influencers who will unveil his candidacy to the public when the time is right. He is positioning himself as formidable candidate against odds. His experience in the Federal Government, particularly as Minister of State for Petroleum, provided him with a strong platform.
This role has allowed him to gain valuable insights into both national and local issues, making him a well-rounded candidate for the governorship. Heineken’s previous roles have likely equipped him with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of Bayelsa politics. If he eventually throws his hat into the ring for the 2027 governorship race in Bayelsa State, it will mark the second time Lokpobiri, who was once a member of PDP and a Federal Lawmaker at House of Representatives still nurses the ambition of becoming governor of Bayelsa State, having previously ran for the position in 2019.
Diri’s Deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who is also said to be eyeing his boss’ office for the 2027 governorship race and who has rejected the governor’s defection to the APC, maintained that the PDP remains the biggest opposition force in the country and is still strong enough in the oil-rich state, which he thinks, makes defection unnecessary, especially as Diri was not running for another tenure.
A source disclosed that the Deputy Governor refused to attend the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting where Diri announced his resignation from the PDP, although he has not yet declared his next political move. Diri and Ewhrudjakpo were elected on a joint PDP ticket in 2019 and assumed office in 2020. They were re-elected under the same platform in 2023.
Ewhrudjakpo, a lawyer and seasoned politician served as the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District between 2019 and 2020 in the Ninth National Assembly. He also held various leadership positions, including Chairman of Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform which focuses on harmonizing Maritime Laws and combating piracy and other Maritime-related crimes.
Chief David Lyon who won the governorship election in Bayelsa State under APC in 2023 for the first time since the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999, his victory was annulled by the Supreme Court on the grounds that his deputy, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienya presented false information to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The five-member panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Mary Odili sacked Chief Lyon a day to his swearing-in. And since then, the oil magnate has maintained a low profile but continues to command respect especially among the youths. There are some whispers within APC that some interest groups are pushing for his political re-habilitation, arguing that he deserves another chance. Whether, he decides to test the waters again, remains to be seen, but Lyon’s name continues to resonate in conversation about 2027.
Another silent but significant force within the APC, Dr. Samuel Ogboku is one of the politicians to watch in 2027 governorship race. A former Commissioner and Secretary to Bayelsa State Government (SSG) and now Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he has built a reputation for prudence, calm leadership and loyalty to the party hierarchy. His performance in the NDDC and closeness to key figures in Tinubu political circle have fueled speculations that he could emerged as a consensus candidate should the leadership decide to go for a neutral and achiever.
Another potential contender to watch is the former Governor and Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Slyva. He was grown into one of the most influential politicians in Bayelsa State. H e is the leader of APC in Bayelsa State.
Sources close to him said he is staging a comeback to complete his second term tenure which he has lost twice to PDP. Although, he has not publicly declared his ambition, political watchers believe that his strategic position as the leader of APC gives him valuable leverage should he decides to join the race.
For now, none of the aspirants has publicly declared ambition, but consultations, alignments and subtle campaigns are already under way and as 2027 approaches, Bayelsa people can expect intense political developments, strategic realignments and the emergence of new power equations in the state that prides itself as the home of PDP.
