Nigeria Declares Three Senate Seats Vacant, Orders Urgent By-Elections

Nigeria’s political landscape shifted on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that three seats in the upper chamber have been declared vacant following the deaths of the lawmakers who previously occupied them.

The announcement, made during plenary, triggered a constitutional process that now places fresh responsibility on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Akpabio directed the electoral body to immediately prepare for by-elections to ensure the affected regions regain representation without delay.

The declaration marks a significant moment for the Senate, coming at a time when the country is navigating complex legislative and economic challenges.

With the seats now open, political parties are expected to move quickly, positioning new contenders and reshaping their strategies ahead of the upcoming polls.

The by-elections, once scheduled, are likely to draw strong national attention, as they will not only fill the vacancies but could also shift the balance of influence within Nigeria’s increasingly competitive political environment.