Senate declares Gov Okpebholo seat vacant

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024.

The decision complies with Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which stipulates that a lawmaker’s seat must be vacated upon assuming another public office.

The declaration came after a letter from Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), during Wednesday’s plenary session. Senator Moro emphasized the constitutional obligation to declare the seat vacant and urged the Senate President to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election.

“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,” Moro stated in his letter.

Senate President Akpabio confirmed the constitutional requirement, declared the seat vacant, and directed INEC to organize a by-election for Edo Central Senatorial District.

Okpebholo Bids Farewell to the Senate

Senator Monday Okpebholo, who won the Edo State gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024, expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the 10th Senate during his farewell remarks. He pledged to remain an ambassador for the Senate in his new role as Governor of Edo State.

With the seat now vacant, INEC is expected to announce the date for a by-election to ensure continuous representation for the people of Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.