The Senate on Wednesday inaugurated four newly elected lawmakers who emerged victorious in the by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Saturday.
The new senators are Dayo Faduyile, representing Ondo South Senatorial District, and Ikeje Asogwa, representing Enugu North Senatorial District, both elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also sworn in were Danladi Envulu-Anza, who won the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election on the APC platform, and Olaka Nwogu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who emerged victorious in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District election.
The lawmakers took their oath of office during plenary, following a directive by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who asked the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, to administer the oath.
After the ceremony, the senators exchanged handshakes and pleasantries with the Senate President and their colleagues before being escorted to their seats by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
New Senators Replace Former Occupants
Faduyile succeeded Jimoh Ibrahim, who was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Asogwa replaced Okechukwu Ezea, who died in November 2025 after a brief illness.
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Envulu-Anza took over from Godiya Akwashiki, who died in December 2025 following a prolonged illness.
Nwogu succeeded Barinada Mpigi, who passed away in February 2026 after a prolonged illness.
Senate Returns to Full Strength
With the inauguration of the four lawmakers, the Senate has returned to its full complement of 109 members.
The APC now holds 88 seats in the upper chamber, while the PDP has five senators. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) controls nine seats, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has four, while the Labour Party, Accord Party, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have one senator each.
Akpabio Advises New Lawmakers
Congratulating the senators on their victories, Akpabio urged them to familiarise themselves with the Senate Standing Rules before participating in debates, motions, and other legislative proceedings.
According to him, a thorough understanding of the rules would help them avoid procedural breaches and contribute effectively to the business of the chamber.
Earlier, INEC had presented certificates of return to the senators. The INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, was represented by Supervising National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu for Rivers State, who was supervising the presentation of the certificates.
In her remarks, Agbamuche-Mbu congratulated the winners and urged them to serve their constituents diligently, saying the most important responsibility is to represent the people well.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.