Akpabio Declares Ondo South Senate Seat Vacant, Orders By-Election

On Tuesday, Godswill Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, announced the vacancy of the Ondo South Senatorial District seat during a plenary session. This decision follows the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as a permanent representative, which necessitated the vacancy.

Akpabio directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the seat in accordance with the Electoral Act. He mandated Kamorudeen Ogunlana, the Clerk of the National Assembly, to formally notify INEC of this development.

The law requires that the electoral body fills the vacant seat. Jimoh Ibrahim, known for his outspoken nature in the Senate, particularly regarding insecurity issues in the Ondo South district, has recently transitioned to a diplomatic role.

The by-election is expected to take place in July 2024, with INEC to issue a notice outlining the election timeline, including party primaries and campaign dates. Political parties will conduct primaries to nominate candidates, and INEC will publish the final list of contestants.