The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has confirmed Peter Akpe as the new deputy governor, following the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

Mr Akpe was confirmed as the new deputy governor during a plenary session on Tuesday.  

He previously served as Governor Douye Diri’s chief of staff.

Mr Akpe launched his career in “politics with stints in advance, labour organising and political journalism”, said his profile on the Bayelsa government’s official website.

Mr Ewhrudjakpo collapsed and died in his officeon December 11, 2025. Multiple reports said Mr Ewhrudjakpo slumped in his office and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

It was later confirmed that the deputy governor was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the medical facility.

Prior to his sudden death, the deputy governor had refused to be present at the recent defection of Governor Douye Diri to the ruling All Progressives Congress in October.

Following his defection, Mr Diri said he would not compel Mr Ewhrudjakpo to join the ruling party, adding that he would continue to engage his deputy to achieve a positive outcome.