The Senate declared the seats of Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East Senatorial Districts vacant on Tuesday. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the vacancies during plenary, attributing them to the deaths of the lawmakers who previously held the seats. The deceased senators are Okechukuwu Ezea (Enugu North), Godiya Akwashiki (Nasarawa North), and Barinada Mpigi (Rivers South-East). Akpabio expressed sadness over their passing and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections within 30 days, as required by the Constitution. INEC had already conducted a similar election for Anambra South Senatorial District following the death of its former occupant, Ifeanyi Ubah.
Akpabio noted that INEC is mandated to organize fresh polls to fill the vacant seats, emphasizing the need to adhere to constitutional timelines. The process involves INEC issuing formal notices, setting election timetables, and ensuring political parties conduct valid primaries. Security agencies will also be engaged to maintain order during the elections, which will follow standard procedures for accreditation, voting, and result collation.
Akpabio's swift declaration of vacancies shows the Senate's procedural efficiency, but the recurring deaths of lawmakers raise concerns about safety and stability in these districts. With three seats already vacant, the trend suggests deeper issues beyond electoral logistics. The constitutional 30-day window for by-elections may keep representation intact, but it does little to address why these senators did not finish their terms.
