•Peter Akpe. Photo: Bayelsa State Govt

Dr Peter Akpe will likely be sworn-in today as the new deputy governor by Bayelsa State House of Assembly

Before his nomination and approval by the Assembly yesterday , Dr Akpe was the Chief of Staff to Governor Douye Diri.

The development followed the demise of the former deputy governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, after he slumped in the office on December 11, 2025 and was buried on January 30, 2026.

The governor insisted that no action would be taken on appointing a replacement for the deputy governor until after the burial.

Akpe, a former majority leader of the State House of Assembly, was swiftly cleared by the lawmakers, who congratulated him amid cheers.

Akpe, a trusted aide and a maternal cousin to Diri, is a seasoned administrator and politician.

He holds a Ph.D in Administration and Planning from the University of Port Harcourt and has extensive public service experience, including roles as Head of Administration in the Office of the Deputy Governor (2006–2007), Service Commission Member (2008–2011), Leader of the House (2011–2019), Deputy Chief of Staff, and Chief of Staff at Government House (2020–2024).He is also a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a part-time lecturer at the Redeemer’s University, Ede.

Former Edo State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) national leader Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with Labour Party stalwart Peter Obi, narrowly escaped an attack by suspected hoodlums at Oyegun’s residence in Benin City.

The incident occurred while key political figures, including Peter Obi, were reportedly engaged in a meeting at the residence. Eyewitnesses described a sudden assault that left visible signs of violence, including broken bottles scattered around the premises, bullet holes on the gate, and damaged vehicles parked nearby.

The attack followed closely on the heels of a separate invasion at the ADC secretariat in Benin, where hoodlums vandalized party property shortly after activities linked to political realignments, including reported defections and alliances involving opposition figures.

No casualties were immediately reported from the residence incident, and both Oyegun and Obi are said to be safe. The timing has raised concerns of targeted intimidation amid growing speculation about opposition coalitions ahead of the 2027 elections, including potential ADC-Obidient (supporters of Peter Obi) collaborations that Oyegun has publicly endorsed as a pathway to challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun reacted to the development, describing it as “deeply troubling and unacceptable” in the context of recent threats to the party.

He called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible, emphasizing that such acts undermine democratic processes and must be deterred.

Security operatives have yet to provide an official account or confirm arrests related to the attack.

The incidents have heightened tensions within Edo’s political landscape, where the ADC has been positioning itself as an alternative platform attracting defectors and opposition voices.

Party sources described the events as attempts to disrupt emerging alliances and stifle political momentum.

Further details on the meeting’s agenda and any official police investigation are awaited as the situation develops.

Chaos erupted at the secretariat of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) shortly after an event linked to the reported defection of former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Olumide Akpata and his supporters.

Eyewitness accounts and a circulating video on Facebook captured the moment suspected hoodlums stormed the party office, vandalizing property including banners, chairs, and a hired sound system. The attackers reportedly arrived in tinted vehicles with no visible registration plates, heightening suspicions of a coordinated assault.

Party members and attendees were seen fleeing the scene amid the destruction, with several sustaining injuries during the scramble for safety. Visual footage from the incident showed overturned furniture and damaged equipment, underscoring the level of disruption.

In a related development, there were unconfirmed reports of gunshots fired near the residence of ADC national leader, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, though details remain sketchy and no official confirmation has been provided on casualties or motives.

The invasion comes against the backdrop of ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, with various opposition figures and groups exploring platforms ahead of future elections. Akpata, who previously contested the 2024 Edo governorship election under the Labour Party, has been the subject of defection rumors in the past, though he has publicly denied switching to parties like the APC.

ADC officials have yet to issue an official statement on the attack, but sources close to the party described it as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and disrupt emerging political movements.

Security agencies are yet to comment on the incident or any ongoing investigations. This event highlights the volatile nature of political defections and gatherings in Nigeria’s charged electoral environment.

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