Akpabio declares Jimoh Ibrahim’s senate seat vacantThe President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared the Ondo South senatorial seat vacant following the appointment of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The announcement was made during plenary on Tuesday, where the Senate President stated that the vacancy takes immediate effect in line with constitutional provisions governing legislative representation.
Akpabio subsequently directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat, in accordance with electoral laws.
Constitutional process triggers by-election timeline
The declaration followed the constitutional requirement that any legislative vacancy must be officially communicated to the electoral body for prompt action.
Under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), such notifications enable INEC to begin preparations for a fresh election in the affected constituency.
With the seat now formally declared vacant, the electoral commission is expected to commence arrangements for the by-election within the stipulated timeframe.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who previously represented Ondo South on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), vacated the seat following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
His transition from the Senate to diplomatic service necessitated the formal declaration of vacancy by the Senate leadership, paving the way for a replacement through the electoral process.
Political implications for Ondo South
The development sets the stage for renewed political activity in Ondo South Senatorial District as parties prepare to contest the upcoming by-election.
The outcome will determine who completes the remaining tenure of the legislative seat.
INEC is expected to announce the official timetable for the by-election in the coming days following the Senate’s formal notification.
