Akpabio Declares Jimoh Ibrahim’s Senate Seat Vacant, Orders INEC to Hold By-Election

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the Ondo South Senatorial District seat vacant after Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s exit from the Red Chamber — triggered by his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.

Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday, formally notifying lawmakers and directing that the process to fill the vacancy begin immediately. He called on INEC to conduct a by-election within 30 days in line with constitutional provisions governing legislative vacancies. The Clerk of the National Assembly has been directed to transmit the Senate’s resolution to INEC for urgent action.

Who Is Jimoh Ibrahim?

Ibrahim represented Ondo South before his diplomatic appointment. He holds a doctorate, a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the London School of Economics, and a Master’s from Oxford. He was born in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, in 1967.

President Tinubu approved his UN appointment in March 2026. With his accreditation to the UN Secretary-General now formalised, his legislative seat could not legally be held concurrently — hence the vacancy declaration.

The by-election will now set off a fresh political contest in Ondo South, with parties expected to begin mobilising ahead of INEC’s timetable announcement.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust, ThisDay, TheNigeriaLawyer