Akpabio declares senator’s seat vacant
The Senate has declared the Ondo South seat in the National Assembly vacant following the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who stated that the decision takes effect immediately based on constitutional rules guiding such matters.
He explained that once a serving senator takes up a new national assignment that is not compatible with legislative duties, the seat must be declared vacant to allow for proper replacement.
Following the declaration, the Senate directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to begin arrangements for a by-election that will fill the vacant seat within 30 days.
The process is expected to follow the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which requires the electoral body to act once it receives official notice of a vacancy in the National Assembly.
Jimoh Ibrahim, who previously represented Ondo South under the All Progressives Congress, is a businessman and politician. His recent diplomatic appointment led to the change in his legislative position.
The Senate is expected to send formal communication to INEC to ensure the electoral process begins without delay.
