The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared three senatorial seats vacant due to the death of lawmakers representing Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East districts. The declaration was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, citing constitutional provisions.
The vacant seats are a result of the demise of the lawmakers, necessitating by-elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Akpabio emphasized that INEC is mandated to organize fresh polls within the legally stipulated timeframe.
According to the 1999 Constitution, INEC is required to conduct by-elections within 30 days from the date of the declaration. Akpabio directed the electoral commission to comply with the law and conduct fresh elections.
The affected constituencies are Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District, and Rivers South-East Senatorial District. Political parties are expected to begin preparations to fill the vacancies in the upper legislative chamber.
The development sets the stage for fresh political contests in the affected districts. INEC will need to make necessary arrangements for the by-elections, including setting dates and nominating candidates.
The Senate President’s declaration paves the way for the electoral process to begin. The by-elections will determine the new representatives of the affected districts in the Senate.
The outcome of the by-elections will impact the composition of the Senate and potentially influence the legislative agenda. Political parties will be keen to secure the vacant seats.
