Akpabio swears in 4 new senators from PDP, APC after by-elections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio administered the oath of office to four newly elected senators Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South-East), Envulu Anz (APC, Nasarawa Ikeje Asogwu (APC, Enviroment Wednesday June 23 03422 by-elections. The lawmakers sworn in were Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South-East), Envulu Anz (APC, Nasarawa North), Ikeje Asogwu (APC, Enugu North), and Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South). They filled vacancies from deaths (Barinada Mpigi in Rivers SE, Godiya Akwashiki in Nasarawa North, Okechukwu Ezea in Enugu North) and one appointment (Jimoh Ibrahim’s UN role in Ondo South). INEC had issued their certificates of return on Tuesday.

This shifts Senate composition: APC gains three seats (net +2 after PDP gains one), altering the party balance. Akpabio urged the new senators to prioritize national interest over party loyalty and urged them to study the 1999 Constitution and 2023-amended Senate Standing Orders for effective legislative work. He described the Senate as ‘a family of the most elite club in the world’ now representing Nigeria collectively.

Vacancies arose from specific local circumstances: Rivers SE lost its senator to death, Nasarawa North and Enugu North similarly, while Ondo South’s vacancy came from a diplomatic appointment. With key votes like the State Police Bill pending, how might this shifted alliance affect legislative outcomes and regional representation in the upper chamber decisions ahead?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/06/24/akpabio-swears-in-four-senators-elected-in-by-elections/