The President of the Senate of Nigeria, Godswill Akpabio, has officially declared the Ondo South Senatorial District seat in the Senate vacant following the appointment of its former occupant, Jimoh Ibrahim, as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly, where Akpabio informed lawmakers that the declaration became necessary due to the lawmaker’s change in official status.
According to the Senate President, Ibrahim’s new diplomatic appointment effectively brings his tenure as a senator to an end, making it constitutionally necessary for the upper legislative chamber to declare the seat vacant and trigger the process for electing a replacement.
Akpabio said the decision was in line with constitutional provisions governing vacancies in the National Assembly whenever a member resigns, accepts another public office, or is otherwise unable to continue in legislative service.
He explained that the Senate had no alternative but to formally announce the vacancy so that the people of Ondo South would not remain without representation for longer than necessary.
Following the declaration, Akpabio called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately begin steps toward filling the vacant seat through a bye-election.
He urged the electoral body to conduct the poll within 30 days in accordance with applicable laws and electoral guidelines.
The Senate President also directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to officially communicate the Senate’s resolution to INEC without delay.
According to him, prompt notification would ensure swift action by the commission and help prevent prolonged absence of representation for constituents in Ondo South.
The development marks a significant transition for Jimoh Ibrahim, who now moves from legislative duties to the diplomatic arena as Nigeria’s representative at the United Nations.
Ibrahim, a businessman and politician, represented Ondo South in the Senate prior to the latest appointment. His nomination to the UN role is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the federal government to strengthen Nigeria’s voice in international diplomacy.
With the seat now declared vacant, political attention is expected to shift to Ondo State, where parties may begin consultations and preparations ahead of the anticipated bye-election.
The forthcoming poll is likely to attract strong interest from major political parties seeking to secure control of the senatorial district.
Ondo South is regarded as an important political zone in Ondo State, and the contest to replace Ibrahim could reshape the political balance in the state ahead of future elections.
Residents of the district will now await INEC’s formal timetable and guidelines for the bye-election process.
The Senate’s action underscores the constitutional mechanism designed to ensure that no constituency remains unrepresented after a seat becomes vacant.
Further announcements from INEC are expected in the coming days regarding dates, procedures, and party participation for the Ondo South senatorial bye-election.
