Akpabio swears in four new senators

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, inaugurated four newly elected senators following their victories in the recent bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The lawmakers inaugurated during plenary were Olaka Nwogu Johnson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Francis Dayo Faduyile of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asogwa Ikeje Israel of the APC, and Halilu Danladi Envulu-Aza of the APC.

The four emerged victorious in the bye-elections held last Saturday to fill vacancies created by deaths and appointments affecting their respective senatorial districts.

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Johnson succeeds Barinada Mpigi, who died on February 19, 2026, while Faduyile takes over from Jimoh Ibrahim, who vacated the seat following his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Similarly, Envulu-Aza replaces Godiya Akwashiki, who died in December 2025, while Israel succeeds Okechukwu Ezea, who passed away on November 18, 2025.

Addressing the new senators shortly after their inauguration, Akpabio urged them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders to enable them effectively participate in legislative proceedings.

“I remind them that we have just presented to them the Nigerian Constitution, which is the ground norm of the governance of this nation, and the Senate Standing Orders 2026, which guide our proceedings in the chamber,” Akpabio said.

“The two documents presented to you are not for the shelves in your library. They are for your consumption on a daily basis, so you can follow the proceedings assiduously.”

The Senate President further cautioned the lawmakers against making contributions without adequate knowledge of the chamber’s rules and procedures.

“Please do not jump up to speak if you do not know what the rule says. Whenever there is a motion and I ask for additional comments, Senate players do not reopen the debates,” he added.

With the inauguration of the four senators, the APC has further strengthened its majority in the 10th Senate, controlling 88 seats.

The current composition of the Senate now stands at 88 senators for the APC, nine for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), five for the PDP, four for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), one for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), one for the Accord Party, and one for the Labour Party, bringing the total membership of the upper chamber to 109 senators.