Bayelsa Assembly Confirms Pastor Peter Akpe as Deputy Governor Following Ewhrudjakpo’s Death
The Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, unanimously confirmed Pastor (Hon.) Peter Pereotubo Akpe, Ph.D., as the new Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, following a decisive plenary session that cleared the way for his swearing-in.
The nomination was submitted by Governor Douye Diri after the demise of the immediate past Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo. PulseNets learnt that the late Ewhrudjakpo, aged 60, collapsed in his office on December 11, 2025, and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead. He was buried on January 30, 2026, in Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area.
Akpe, who previously served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Yenagoa, steps into the role with significant political and administrative experience. PulseNets reported that he is an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and a seasoned lawmaker, having represented his constituency in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly for two terms between 2011 and 2019. During that period, he served as Majority Leader.
Further checks by PulseNets show that Akpe earlier held office as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under former Governor Seriake Dickson from 2008 to 2011. He also built his public service credentials within the civil services of both Rivers and Bayelsa States.
Hailing from Ebedebiri in Sagbama LGA—the same local government area as his late predecessor—political observers who spoke to PulseNets described the appointment as a calculated move aimed at preserving regional equilibrium and reinforcing continuity within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in Bayelsa State.
Major national media platforms, including TheCable, Premium Times, Punch, Vanguard, Channels Television, Daily Post, and Leadership, have also reported the confirmation, noting that it brings closure to months of political speculation that followed Ewhrudjakpo’s death. PulseNets obtained images from official state channels showing Akpe shortly after the confirmation, with visuals widely circulated across social media platform X.
The development unfolds at a time when the Bayelsa State Government continues to prioritise security consolidation, critical infrastructure delivery, and economic diversification across the oil-producing yet flood-prone Niger Delta region.
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The swearing-in ceremony is expected imminently, formally ushering in a new phase for the Diri administration. While supporters of the PDP have expressed optimism, other stakeholders told PulseNets they are keenly observing how Akpe’s pastoral background and legislative pedigree will influence policy direction and executive coordination in Bayelsa politics.
