Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has declared three senatorial seats in the National Assembly vacant following the death of their occupants.
Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday, stating that the decision was in line with constitutional provisions governing legislative vacancies.
The affected constituencies include Enugu North Senatorial District, Nasarawa North Senatorial District, and Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
According to the Senate President, the vacancies arose due to the demise of the lawmakers representing the districts, necessitating fresh elections to fill the positions.
“Due to the tragedies that have befallen the 10th Senate, vacancies have been created for midterm elections,” Akpabio said during the session.
He subsequently directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise by-elections to fill the vacant seats within the timeframe stipulated by law.
Akpabio noted that the Constitution mandates the electoral body to conduct such elections within approximately 30 days from the date of declaration.
The development sets the stage for fresh political contests in the affected senatorial districts, as political parties are expected to begin preparations to field candidates.
Observers say the upcoming by-elections could reshape political dynamics in the respective states, especially amid ongoing realignments within the National Assembly.
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