Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Senate has sworn in four new senators who emerged victorious in the recent by-elections conducted to fill vacant seats in the Red Chamber, bringing the total number of senators in the chamber to 109 and further consolidating the ruling All Progressives Congress' dominance in the upper legislative house. The vacancies arose following the death of three senators and the appointment of one senator as Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, necessitating the by-elections that were conducted across four states.
The newly sworn-in lawmakers are Olaka Nwogu Johnson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Rivers South-East; Francis Dayo Faduyile of the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Ondo South; Asogwa Ikeje Israel of the APC, representing Enugu North; and Halilu Danladi Envulu-Aza of the APC, representing Nasarawa North. Senate President Godswill Akpabio administered the oath of office on the four lawmakers during plenary on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in a ceremony that was witnessed by a number of dignitaries, including Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Ondo State Attorney-General, Kayode Ajulo, Olusola Oke, SAN, former lawmaker in the 9th Senate Chukwuka Utazi, and the Deputy Governor of Enugu State.
The new senators have about one year left to serve before the expiration of the current tenure of the 10th Senate, which is scheduled to dissolve in June 2027 ahead of the general elections. Their inauguration brings the total number of senators in the chamber to 109, with the latest party composition now standing at APC – 88, ADC – 9, PDP – 5, NDC – 4, APGA – 1, Accord – 1, and Labour – 1. The four seats filled are Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Rivers South-East, and Ondo South, which became vacant as a result of the death of three senators and the appointment of one lawmaker to a diplomatic position.
While welcoming the new senators, Senate President Akpabio prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed lawmakers and expressed hope that no further death would necessitate another swearing-in of this nature. He said the new senators had been presented with copies of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders, which guide legislative proceedings, and urged them to familiarise themselves with the rules and conduct of the chamber. Akpabio also congratulated returning senator Olaka Nwogu Johnson, noting that he had previously served in the 8th Senate under the leadership of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and expressed confidence that his experience would be valuable to the chamber.
The by-elections that produced the new senators were conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the declaration of vacancies by the Senate. The vacancies were caused by the deaths of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (YPP, Anambra South) in July 2024, Senator Ayo Akinyelure (PDP, Ondo Central) in October 2025, and Senator Uche Ekwunife (PDP, Anambra Central) in January 2026. Additionally, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) resigned from the Senate in December 2025 after he was appointed as Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Tinubu. The by-elections were conducted in the affected constituencies, with the APC winning three of the four seats and the PDP retaining one seat. The new senators are expected to contribute to the work of the Senate in its remaining year, including consideration of key legislation and oversight of the executive branch.
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