Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared three senatorial seats vacant following the deaths of lawmakers representing Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East senatorial districts. The announcement was made Tuesday during plenary, where Akpabio cited constitutional provisions as the basis for the declaration. He confirmed that midterm elections will be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission to fill the vacant positions. "Due to the tragedies that have befallen the 10th Senate, vacancies have been created for midterm elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that we fill the vacancies created by the demise of our colleagues," Akpabio stated. Referring to Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), he formally declared each seat vacant, beginning with Enugu North. The process now shifts to INEC, which is expected to issue timelines for the upcoming by-elections. The development marks a significant shift in the current Senate composition, with affected states preparing for fresh electoral activities. No specific dates for the polls have been announced.
Akpabio's move follows clear constitutional procedure, but the timing puts pressure on INEC to act swiftly and transparently. With by-elections looming in Enugu, Nasarawa, and Rivers, political jostling will likely mirror the intensity seen in recent off-cycle polls. In a climate where electoral credibility is constantly scrutinized, how INEC handles these vacancies could influence public trust ahead of larger contests.
