A bushing anti-rotation system and apparatus. A bushing anti-rotation system includes an impeller and diffuser stage including a rotatable shaft extending longitudinally through the stage, the diffuser having an inner diameter defining a bore, a bearing set including a bushing pressed into the inner diameter, and a rotatable sleeve inward of the bushing, and means for wedging the bushing against the inner diameter of the diffuser, wherein the means for wedging provides a mechanical lock against rotation of the bushing. The means for wedging the bushing against the diffuser includes one of a key wedged between an eccentric cavity in the diffuser and a notch in the bushing, a pin protruding from the diffuser against a flattened portion of the bushing, a square-shaped bushing secured into a square-shaped bore, a bent retaining ring having a bent end that wedges against a diffuser groove wall, or a combination thereof.