Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared Jimoh Ibrahim’s seat in the Senate vacant. This decision comes after Ibrahim’s appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The Senate President directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a bye-election within 30 days. The declaration of the seat vacancy takes immediate effect according to constitutional provisions.
Jimoh Ibrahim represented the Ondo South Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpabio stated, “The vacancy takes immediate effect, in line with constitutional provisions guiding such transitions.”
The Senate is required to notify INEC of any vacancy to initiate a fresh election. Akpabio added, “The Senate had no option but to formally declare the seat vacant to enable the replacement process to begin.”
The announcement was made during plenary on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Clerk to the National Assembly was instructed to communicate the Senate’s resolution to INEC.
This development marks a significant change in Nigeria’s legislative landscape. Observers expect swift action from INEC as they prepare for the upcoming bye-election.