By Anayo Akwitti
The Nigerian Senate has officially declared the Ondo South Senatorial seat vacant following the appointment of Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja.
Akpabio said the declaration became necessary after Ibrahim’s elevation to a diplomatic role, which effectively ends his tenure as a serving senator representing Ondo South. He subsequently directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seat within 30 days, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The Senate President emphasized the need for strict adherence to due process, noting that the Clerk of the National Assembly has been mandated to promptly transmit the Senate’s resolution to INEC to trigger the electoral process.
Ibrahim’s exit from the Senate follows his recent screening and confirmation as an ambassadorial nominee submitted by President Bola Tinubu. His appointment to represent Nigeria at the United Nations marks a significant shift from legislative duties to international diplomacy.
With the seat now vacant, attention shifts to INEC as political stakeholders in Ondo South prepare for what is expected to be a keenly contested by-election.
