On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, presided over a significant event in Nigeria’s legislative history by officially inaugurating three of the five newly elected members of the House. These lawmakers emerged victorious in the bye-elections conducted on August 16, 2025, to fill vacant seats in the National Assembly. The swearing-in ceremony, held during the resumption of plenary at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, was a moment of both celebration and reflection, as it underscored the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic processes and the importance of representation in governance.
The newly inaugurated lawmakers include Hon. Omosede Igbenedion, representing the Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo State, Hon. Joseph Bagudu, representing the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, and Hon. Mukthar Rabiu, representing the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency in Jigawa State. All three lawmakers are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, and their election reflects the party’s continued influence in these constituencies. The ceremony was a formal induction into the 10th National Assembly, marking the beginning of their legislative duties to represent their constituents and contribute to national development.
However, the event was not without its absences. Two other elected lawmakers, Hon. Elegbeji Yetunde Ayoola of Ikenne/Remo Federal Constituency in Ogun State and Hon. Oyekunle Fola Sunday of Ibadan North Federal Constituency in Oyo State, were not present at the swearing-in ceremony. While no official reasons were provided for their absence during the plenary, their non-attendance did not overshadow the significance of the occasion but raised questions about their eventual integration into the House. The Speaker, in his address, emphasized that the absent lawmakers would be sworn in at a later date, ensuring that all elected representatives would take their rightful places in the legislative chamber.
The bye-elections that led to the emergence of these lawmakers were necessitated by a combination of tragic and political circumstances. The vacant seats in Chikun/Kajuru, Ibadan North, Ikenne/Remo, and Garki/Babura were created following the unfortunate passing of four former lawmakers: Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, Hon. Akeremi Olaide, Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga, and Hon. Isa Dogonyaro, respectively. These lawmakers had served their constituencies with dedication, and their deaths left gaps in representation that needed to be filled to ensure continuity in legislative duties. Additionally, the Ovia Federal Constituency seat became vacant due to the resignation of Hon. Denis Idahosa, who stepped down to contest as the Deputy Governor of Edo State in the 2025 gubernatorial election. The bye-elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, ensuring that constituents in these areas continue to have a voice in the National Assembly.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, adding to its significance. Among the dignitaries present were the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shaibu, whose presence underscored the political weight of the event, particularly for the Ovia Federal Constituency. Also in attendance were Lady Cherry Igbenedion, a respected figure in Edo State, and Hon. Samaila Abdullahi Yakawada, the Chairman of the North West Development Commission. Their presence highlighted the intersection of regional and national interests, as well as the importance of the new lawmakers in addressing the developmental needs of their constituencies.
The ceremony itself was a formal affair, steeped in the traditions of the National Assembly. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, administered the oath of office to the new lawmakers, who pledged to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and serve their constituents diligently. The event was marked by a sense of optimism, as the new representatives were seen as bringing fresh perspectives to the House. Hon. Omosede Igbenedion, for instance, is expected to leverage her background and political lineage to address the developmental challenges in Ovia, a constituency known for its agricultural potential and diverse population. Similarly, Hon. Joseph Bagudu and Hon. Mukthar Rabiu are anticipated to tackle pressing issues in Kaduna and Jigawa, respectively, including security concerns and infrastructural development.
Following the swearing-in, the House transitioned into an executive session, a closed-door meeting of lawmakers to discuss critical matters. The primary focus of this session was the ongoing leadership crisis within the minority caucus of the House. This caucus, comprising members from opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), has been grappling with internal divisions that have threatened its cohesion. The crisis, which has been simmering for weeks, centers on disagreements over leadership roles and strategic direction within the caucus. The executive session provided an opportunity for lawmakers to deliberate on these issues in a confidential setting, aiming to resolve tensions and strengthen the opposition’s ability to hold the ruling party accountable.
The leadership crisis in the minority caucus is not an isolated issue but reflects broader challenges within Nigeria’s political landscape. The House of Representatives, as a microcosm of the nation’s diversity, often navigates complex dynamics between party loyalty, regional interests, and national priorities. The resolution of the crisis is crucial, as a united minority caucus plays a vital role in ensuring robust debates and checks on the majority party’s policies. The Speaker’s decision to prioritize this matter immediately after the swearing-in underscores his commitment to fostering unity and stability within the House.
The inauguration of the new lawmakers also comes at a time when Nigeria faces significant socio-economic and security challenges. From rising inflation and unemployment to ongoing insurgencies in parts of the country, the 10th National Assembly is tasked with addressing pressing issues that affect millions of Nigerians. The new representatives, therefore, assume their roles with immense responsibility. Their constituencies—Ovia, Chikun/Kajuru, and Garki/Babura—face unique challenges, ranging from infrastructural deficits to security concerns and economic stagnation. The lawmakers’ ability to advocate for their constituents and secure federal resources will be critical to their success.
Hon. Omosede Igbenedion, for example, steps into a constituency with a rich history of political activism and economic potential. Ovia Federal Constituency, located in Edo State, is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in rubber and palm oil production. However, the area has faced challenges such as poor road networks and limited access to healthcare and education. Igbenedion’s election is seen as an opportunity to build on the legacy of her predecessors while addressing these longstanding issues.
Similarly, Hon. Joseph Bagudu represents Chikun/Kajuru, a constituency in Kaduna State that has been plagued by insecurity, including banditry and communal clashes. His role will involve not only legislative advocacy but also collaboration with security agencies and community leaders to restore peace and stability. In Garki/Babura, Hon. Mukthar Rabiu faces the task of addressing rural development challenges, including access to clean water, electricity, and quality education, which are critical to improving the quality of life in Jigawa State.
The absence of Hon. Elegbeji Yetunde Ayoola and Hon. Oyekunle Fola Sunday at the ceremony, while noted, does not diminish the importance of their eventual integration into the House. Their constituencies—Ikenne/Remo in Ogun State and Ibadan North in Oyo State—are urban and semi-urban areas with their own unique needs. Ikenne/Remo, for instance, is known for its historical significance and educational institutions, while Ibadan North is a bustling urban center with challenges related to infrastructure and youth empowerment. The contributions of these lawmakers, once sworn in, will be essential to the broader goals of the National Assembly.
In conclusion, the inauguration of Hon. Omosede Igbenedion, Hon. Joseph Bagudu, and Hon. Mukthar Rabiu on October 7, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s legislative journey. The event not only fills vacant seats but also reinforces the importance of representation in addressing the nation’s challenges. As the new lawmakers take their places in the House, they carry the hopes of their constituents and the responsibility to contribute to national development. The executive session that followed the ceremony highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain unity and effectiveness within the House, particularly in the face of internal challenges. With the 10th National Assembly navigating a complex political and economic landscape, the contributions of these new representatives will be closely watched as they work to fulfill their mandates and advance the interests of their constituencies and the nation at large.
