April 28, (THEWILL) — Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, declared the Ondo South Senatorial District seat of Jimoh Ibrahim vacant and directed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be formally notified to commence the process for a by-election following Ibrahim’s appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The declaration was made on Tuesday during plenary proceedings at the Senate chamber, where Akpabio said the development had become necessary in line with constitutional provisions governing vacancies in the National Assembly.
THEWILL reports that Ibrahim’s appointment to the United Nations effectively brought an end to his tenure as senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.
Akpabio also directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to officially transmit the Senate’s resolution to INEC for immediate action toward filling the vacant seat.
According to the Senate President, the electoral body is expected to conduct a by-election within the constitutionally approved timeframe to ensure that the people of Ondo South do not remain without representation in the upper legislative chamber.
The Senate noted that the declaration followed official communication and recognition of Ibrahim’s new diplomatic assignment by the Federal Government.
Ibrahim, a businessman and politician, was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general election and represented Ondo South Senatorial District before his diplomatic appointment.
His appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations is viewed in political and diplomatic circles as part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s international engagements and foreign policy representation.
As of the time of filing this report, the electoral commission had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
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