By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate has officially declared two senatorial seats vacant and has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the positions within the stipulated timeframe, as required by law.
The announcement was made during a plenary session on Tuesday with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, highlighting the need to address the vacancies in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.
The Senate officially declared vacant the Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial seats, respectively.
It would be recalled that the Edo Central seat has remained unoccupied since Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State was sworn in December 2024.
Similarly, the Anambra South seat has remained unoccupied since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
This comes as Dr Joseph Ikpea, a former Honourable Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas in Edo State, and a former Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Council in the same State, has intensified his door-to-door campaign for the Edo Central Senatorial District seat.
The New Diplomat reports that Ikpea had recently officially declared his intention to seek election to fill the vacant seat as a Senator representing the people of Edo Central Senatorial District at the upper legislative chambers.
Since that declaration, his candidacy has been generating considerable interest and support from various stakeholders across the Senatorial District.
Ikpea’s reputation has been gaining traction, and the impact of his leadership and expertise is becoming more pronounced, with numerous individuals stepping forward, sharing compelling and heartfelt testimonies that highlight the profound impact he has had as a visionary politician and dedicated community leader.
His political journey has a rich intersection of community service, public spiritedness, and exceptional accomplishments that marvel all, including his political rivals and peers.
Dr Joseph Ikpea’s political journey is not only rich, fitting, and exciting but one that has also enabled him to touch countless lives in Edo Central, engage in awesome community development and transformation, as well as construct lasting positive legacies. He was one-time Chairman of the Edo State Library Board during the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion.
He was also a member of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) under the administration of former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He was also a one-time Esan South East Local Government council chairman. He also served as a Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas during the first tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
