The power dynamics within the National Assembly have experienced a decisive shift as Senate President Godswill Akpabio formally administered the Oath of Office to four newly elected lawmakers. The strategic inaugurations followed hard-fought weekend bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill legislative seats left vacant by untimely deaths and international political appointments.
The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, led the formal swearing-in ceremony on the Senate floor for the following legislators:
- Senator Olaka Nwogu (PDP) – Rivers South East (Succeeding the late Senator Barinada Mpigi)
- Senator Envulu Anza (APC) – Nasarawa North (Succeeding the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki)
- Senator Ikeje Asogwu (APC) – Enugu North (Succeeding the late Senator Okechukwu Ezea)
- Senator Dayo Faduyile (APC) – Ondo South (Succeeding Jimoh Ibrahim, following his high-profile appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations)
Welcoming the newcomers to what he styled as “the most elite club in the world,” Akpabio charged the lawmakers to shed their partisan skin. He emphasized that their core allegiance must now transcend party structures, urging them to operate exclusively as statesmen focused on national development and rigorous executive oversight.
10TH SENATE COMPOSITION (POST-BYE-ELECTIONS)
├── All Progressives Congress (APC) ── 88 Seats
├── African Democratic Congress (ADC) ── 9 Seats
├── Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ── 5 Seats
└── Others (NDC, APGA, Accord, LP) ── 7 Seats
The sweep heavily reinforces the ruling APC’s legislative dominance, with the party capturing three out of the four highly contested seats. Akpabio concluded the historic plenary session by paying solemn tribute to the deceased lawmakers, leading prayers for stability within the Red Chamber before welcoming the governors, traditional rulers, and party chieftains who flooded the gallery to witness the constitutional transition.
