Nigerian Senate Declares Governor Okpebholo’s Seat Vacant

The Edo Central Senatorial seat in the National Assembly has been formally declared vacant by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

This development follows the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024.

The declaration aligns with Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates that a lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant upon assumption of another public office.

The red chamber urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacancy.

The announcement on Wednesday followed a letter submitted by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Benue South.

“This vacancy has become necessary following Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as governor. In compliance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant. I respectfully request that the Senate President make the declaration and notify INEC accordingly,” Moro wrote.

Responding swiftly, Senate President Akpabio affirmed the constitutional basis for the decision, officially declared the seat vacant, and directed INEC to organise a by-election to ensure Edo Central Senatorial District continues to have representation in the upper chamber.