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The Senate Wednesday declared Edo Central Senatorial Seat vacant and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to conduct bye- election to fill the vacant seat.

The red Chamber had before declaring the Edo Central Senatorial Seat vacant , held valedictory session for Governor Monday Okpebholo who before his assumption of office on the 12th of November, 2024 served as the Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District.

Specifically, the.President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who declared the seat vacant, said the declaration was made in adherence to Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which stipulates that a federal lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant upon assumption of another public office.

The announcement followed a letter submitted by Senator Abba Moro, Senate Minority Leader, which highlighted the constitutional requirement to declare the seat vacant and invited the Senate President to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a fresh election for the district.

Before declaring Edo Central senatorial seat vacant, many Senators during the valedictory session, expressed their joy on emergence of Senator Okpebholo as Edo state governor but added that they will miss his absence in the Senate.

They eulogised his virtues as a humble, hardworking, dedicated and committed person who is loved by his people and many Nigerians.

Specifically, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin described the governor as a humble person and man of few words but full of action, noting that the people of Edo State elected him “because he’s someone who has people’s interest at heart.”

He said that Okpebholo was doing the right thing in the Senate and had started doing same in Edo, advising him to remain focused without distraction.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North) , in his own remarks, pointed out that the governor has made a great mark within his one year of being a senator and short period as the governor.

In his valedictory speech, Governor Okpebholo thanked all the Senators for their kind words and best wishes.

He promised to be a good ambassador of the Senate in the executive arm of government.

With declaration of Edo Central Senatorial Seat vacant and death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC Anambra South), two out of the 109 Senatorial seats are vacant, making configuration of the Senate in membership across party lines to be 63 APC Senators, 34 PDP Senators, five Labour Party Senators, two NNPP Senators, two SDP Senators and One APGA Senators.