Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, declared the seat of Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo vacant on Wednesday.
The declaration followed a letter from Senator Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader, requesting the seat’s vacancy.
Moro cited Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, stating that a lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant when assuming another office.
Governor Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, was elected governor in the September 21, 2024, election in Edo State.
Akpabio, reading Moro’s letter, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election for the vacancy.
The Senate President’s decision to declare the seat vacant was based on constitutional requirements and the governor’s new position.
Both Okpebholo and his deputy were inaugurated as governor and deputy governor, respectively, after the election in September.
The Senate took action following Moro’s request, ensuring compliance with the constitutional provision regarding vacant legislative seats.
By declaring the seat vacant, Akpabio triggered the process for a fresh election to fill Okpebholo’s seat.
The decision was part of the Senate’s responsibility to ensure adherence to constitutional laws governing public officeholders’ positions.
