The Senate has officially declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the new Governor of Edo State.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, aligning with the constitutional requirements under Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which states that a lawmaker’s seat must be vacated upon assumption of another public office.
The development comes after Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 21, 2024. His inauguration as governor on November 12, 2024, prompted the need for a formal declaration of the Senate seat’s vacancy.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, representing Benue South under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), submitted a formal letter requesting the declaration.
In his letter, Moro emphasized the constitutional obligation, stating, “This vacancy has become necessary following Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as governor. In compliance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant. I respectfully request that the Senate President make the declaration and notify INEC accordingly.”
Following the request, Senate President Akpabio affirmed the constitutional mandate and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
In a farewell message, Senator Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, pledging to remain a proud representative of the Senate in his new role as governor.
