The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has officially declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024.
This declaration is in accordance with Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which states that a lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant once they assume another public office.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, came after a letter was submitted by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Benue South. Senator Moro referenced the constitutional requirement to declare the seat vacant and called on the Senate President to inform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election for the district.
In his letter, Senator Moro stated, “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.”
In response, Senate President Akpabio confirmed the constitutional basis for the decision, formally declaring the seat vacant, and instructed INEC to organize a by-election to ensure continued representation for the Edo Central Senatorial District in the Senate.
As the seat is now officially vacant, INEC is expected to schedule a by-election to elect a new representative for the district.
Meanwhile, Senator Okpebholo bid farewell to his colleagues in the 10th Senate, expressing his gratitude and promising to remain an ambassador for the Senate as he transitions to the executive branch.
