The Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has formally declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Edo State on 12 November, 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 announcement on Wednesday followed a letter submitted by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Benue South.
The Edo State gubernatorial election took place on 21 September, 2024, with Okpebholo emerging victorious as the APC candidate.
In his letter, Senator Moro cited the constitutional requirement to declare the seat vacant and urged the Senate President to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election for the district.
“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 organize a by-election to ensure Edo Central Senatorial District continues to have representation in the upper chamber.
Meanwhile, Senator Okpebholo bid farewell to his colleagues in the 10th Senate. He expressed gratitude and pledged to remain an ambassador for the Senate as he transitions to the executive branch.
With the seat now vacant, INEC is expected to schedule a by-election to elect a new representative for Edo Central Senatorial District.
