Nigeria Senate Restores Full Membership as Ikpea, Nwachukwu Take Oath

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday restored its full complement of 109 members following the swearing-in of Senator Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central) and Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu (Anambra South) during plenary in Abuja.

The Nigerian Senate has officially sworn in two newly elected lawmakers — Senator Joseph Ikpea representing Edo Central and Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu representing Anambra South Senatorial Districts.

The brief ceremony, held during Wednesday’s plenary session, was presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Ojo, administering the oaths of office and allegiance to the new members.

Their inauguration followed by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill two vacant seats in the upper chamber. The Edo Central seat became vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo emerged as Governor of Edo State, while the Anambra South seat was declared vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.

To allow family members and dignitaries to witness the event, the Senate temporarily suspended its standing rules.

Among the guests in attendance were former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo State Deputy Governor and current Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Sports, Philip Shaibu, and other notable political figures.

In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio congratulated the new lawmakers and urged them to acquaint themselves with the chamber’s standing rules to ensure effective legislative contributions.

With the swearing-in of Senators Ikpea and Nwachukwu, the 10th Senate has now regained its full membership of 109 senators.