Akpabio declares three Senate seats vacant, INEC to conduct by-elections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced on Tuesday that three senatorial seats are now vacant following the deaths of the incumbent lawmakers. The vacancies affect Enugu North (Enugu State), Nasarawa North (Nasarawa State), and Rivers South-East (Rivers State) districts. Akpabio stated this declaration follows constitutional provisions and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is mandated to conduct fresh elections to fill the seats within approximately 30 days from this declaration.

This means constituents in these three districts will temporarily lack direct representation in the 10th Senate until by-elections are held. The process will involve INEC setting a new election timetable, political parties nominating candidates, and voters returning to the polls. The outcome could potentially alter the Senate's internal composition and balance of power.

INEC will announce the specific election dates, including nomination periods, campaign schedules, and the polling day. Residents in these districts should ensure their voter registration is up-to-date and monitor official INEC communications. Political parties will begin internal processes to select candidates. Other senators will continue legislative business, but the affected committees or district-specific issues may see delayed input without full representation.

Will you, as a resident of Enugu North, Nasarawa North, or Rivers South-East, start preparing to engage with upcoming candidates, or are you more concerned about how this delay might impact critical local projects needing Senate approval?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/31/akpabio-declares-three-senatorial-seats-vacant/