The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday swore in two new senators to fill vacant seats in the upper legislative chamber following recent by-elections.
Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is sworn in as the senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, while Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) took the oath of office as senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District.
Ikpea replaces Monday Okpebholo, who vacated the Edo Central seat after emerging as Governor of Edo State in September 2024.
Nwachukwu succeeds Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away in July 2024.
The oath of office was administered by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presented the new lawmakers with copies of the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate Rule Book, urging them to uphold their constitutional responsibilities.
The two senators pledged allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, vowing to defend the constitution, abide by the legislative code of conduct, and perform their duties diligently in service to the nation.
Ikpea secured victory in the Edo Central by-election with 105,129 votes, defeating Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 15,146 votes.
Nwachukwu won the Anambra South seat with 90,408 votes, beating Azuka Okwuosa of the APC, who garnered 19,812 votes.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by political leaders, including former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and APGA national executives.
With their induction, the composition of the 10th Senate now stands as
APC – 71 seats,
PDP – 28,
Labour Party – 5,
NNPP – 1,
SDP – 2,
APGA – 2.
The Senate leadership described the chamber as a family and urged the new lawmakers to approach their legislative duties with dedication, patriotism, and a commitment to national development.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
