APC 88, ADC 9, PDP 5, NDC 4: Akpabio Swears in Four New Senators

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Senate’s composition moved further in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday after four new senators were sworn in, raising the party’s tally in the upper chamber to 88 seats.

Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio administered the oath of office to the newly elected lawmakers: Senator Olaka Nwogu (PDP, Rivers South East), Senator Envulu Anza (APC, Nasarawa North), Senator Ikeje Asogwu (APC, Enugu North) and Senator Dayo Faduyile (APC, Ondo South).

The inaugurations followed bye‑elections held by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Saturday to fill vacancies in four senatorial districts.

The Rivers South East seat had become vacant after the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi, leading to Nwogu’s election. In Nasarawa North, Anza won the seat left by the late Senator Godiya Akwaashiki; Asogwu succeeded the deceased Senator Okechukwu Ezea in Enugu North. Faduyile secured the Ondo South seat following the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Senate Clerk Emmanuel Odo administered the Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office to the four new senators during the plenary session.

Akpabio welcomed the senators, describing the Senate as “a family of the most elite club in the world” and urging them to prioritise nation‑building over partisan interests.

He reminded them that they now serve as senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not merely representatives of their parties.

Akpabio advised the new members to study the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders 2023, emphasizing that both documents are essential guides for effective legislative work.

“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 2023 which guide our proceedings in the chamber,” he 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 cautioned the lawmakers against violating parliamentary procedures and urged them to study the rules thoroughly so they can contribute meaningfully and orderly to debates on the Senate floor.

He particularly welcomed Nwogu, noting that the lawmaker had previously served in the 8th Senate. “For some of you who are returning, I congratulate you. Like Senator Olaka Nwogu, who was with us in the 8th Senate, I am happy to see him again. Welcome,” Akpabio said.

Among the dignitaries present at the swearing‑in ceremony were Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), Ondo State Attorney‑General and Commissioner for Justice Kayode Ajulo (SAN), and other senior government officials.

With the inauguration of the four senators, the current party distribution in the 109‑member Senate stands at APC 88, African Democratic Congress 9, Peoples Democratic Party 5, Nigeria Democratic Congress 4, All Progressives Grand Alliance 1, Accord Party 1 and Labour Party 1. The total membership remains 109.