Akpabio Declares Umahi, Geidam’s Seats Vacant, Calls for By-Election

The Yobe East Senatorial District, previously held by Senator Ibrahim Geidam, and the Ebonyi South Senatorial seat, previously held by Senator Dave Umahi, have been declared vacant by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s selection of Umahi and Geidam as ministers, the senators resigned from the Senate, while the Senate leadership remained silent.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is required by law to hold elections in the constituencies within 90 days of Senate President Akpabio declaring the two senatorial seats vacant.

Akpabio requested that INEC hold a by-election to fill the seats while he declared them vacant.

He said, “The Ebonyi South and Yobe East senatorial seats are hereby declared vacant in accordance with constitutional provisions.

“This follows the assumption of office as ministers of senators Ibrahim Geidam and Dave Umahi.

“INEC may therefore wish to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant seats.”

INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had said the electoral body would conduct reruns and bye-elections in February 2024 to fill existing vacancies in the state and federal legislatures.