Pastor Peter Akpe confirmed as Bayelsa deputy governor, bringing administrative experience after the late Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo’s passing

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has officially confirmed Pastor Peter Akpe as the new deputy governor, following the passing of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The approval was granted on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

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Before his appointment, Akpe served as chief of staff to Governor Douye Diri, coordinating ministries, overseeing policy implementation, and helping manage state projects.

He previously held the position of majority leader in Bayelsa’s House of Assembly and hails from Edebebiri in Sagbama Local Government Area.

Akpe, a pastor with the Redeemed Church of God and a doctorate holder in Educational Management, brings extensive administrative and educational expertise to the role.

His nomination ensures the deputy governorship remains in the Bayelsa West Senatorial District, home to the late Ewhrudjakpo.

Governor Douye Diri officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier this year, marking a significant political shift in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appointment comes amid other recent incidents in the state, including a fatal road accident during Ewhrudjakpo’s funeral, where two people died and several others were injured, and a suspected explosive device found at the Bayelsa State Secretariat in February, which was safely neutralised by security forces.

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Pastor Peter Akpe’s confirmation reflects the state government’s commitment to continuity, administrative competence, and regional representation in Bayelsa’s leadership.