Akpabio declares Edo central seat vacant as Okpebholo becomes gov

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has officially declared the Edo Central Senatorial District seat vacant following the inauguration of Monday Opebholo, who was the occupant of the seat, as the governor of Edo State. This decision complied with Section 68(1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which stipulates that a lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant upon assuming another public office. The announcement followed a letter from Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who outlined the constitutional mandate requiring the declaration of vacancy.

The letter also called on the Senate to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise a by-election to fill the seat. Moro said: “This vacancy has become necessary following Monday Opebholo’s inauguration as the governor of Edo State. In compliance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant, and I respectfully request that the Senate President make the declaration and notify INEC accordingly.



” Akpabio acted promptly, affirming the constitutional basis for the declaration and directing INEC to organise elections to fill the now vacant seat. He emphasised the need for consistent representation for the people of Edo Central in the Senate. During the session, Akpabio bid farewell to Opebholo, saying: “This will be the last time we grant you the privilege to address this Senate.

You may now step forward, take a bow, and be led out by the Sergeant-at-Arms.”.