JUST IN: Senate President Akpabio Declares Jimoh Ibrahim’s Seat Vacant

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has officially declared the Ondo South Senatorial seat vacant following a major development involving one of its representatives.

The announcement was made on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly.

Akpabio told lawmakers that the decision became necessary after the change in status of the lawmaker who previously occupied the seat.

According to him, the vacancy followed the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The new diplomatic role effectively ends his time in the Senate.

Akpabio stated that the development aligns with constitutional provisions guiding such transitions. He said the Senate had no option but to formally declare the seat vacant to allow the process of replacement to begin.

He then called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate steps to fill the vacancy. The electoral body was asked to conduct a bye-election within 30 days, in line with existing laws.

The Senate President also directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to formally communicate the resolution of the Senate to INEC. This, he said, would ensure swift action and avoid any delay in representation for the people of Ondo South.