The senate has officially declared the seats of three late senators vacant, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to organize by-elections to fill the positions within three months.
The affected seats are those of Godiya Akwashiki representing Nasarawa North, Okey Ezea of Enugu North, and Barinada Mpigi from Rivers South East.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the vacancies during plenary on Tuesday, noting the need to ensure representation for the affected constituencies.
The three senators passed away at different times between November 2025 and February 2026.
Godiya Akwashiki, it was gathered, died following a brief illness in November 2025, while Okey Ezea passed in early January 2026 after health complications related to a long-term condition.
Barinada Mpigi’s death occurred in February 2026 at the age of 64 after a brief illness, leaving Rivers south east without representation in the senate.
Akpabio emphasized that the prompt conduct of by-elections is essential to restore legislative voice and advocacy for the constituents of the three districts.
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