Senate: Akpabio Declares Governor Okpebholo’s Seat Vacant
Following the inauguration of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo as the Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024, Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant.
The statement is in accordance with Section 68(1)(b) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that a lawmaker’s seat must become vacant when they take on another public position.
Following a letter from Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who represents Benue South, the announcement was made on Wednesday.
On September 21, 2024, the APC endorsed Okpebholo as the winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election.
In his letter, Senator Moro urged the Senate President to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold a new election for the district, citing the constitutional requirement to declare the seat vacant.
“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.
Senate President Akpabio swiftly responded by confirming the decision’s constitutional foundation, formally declaring the seat vacant, and instructing INEC to hold a by-election to guarantee Edo Central Senatorial District’s continued representation in the upper house.
Senator Okpebholo, meanwhile, said goodbye to his fellow members of the 10th Senate. As he moves into the executive branch, he thanked them and promised to continue serving as a Senate ambassador.
