Senate Swears In Joseph Ikpea And Emmanuel Nwachukwu As Senators For Edo, Anambra

The Senate has sworn in two newly elected lawmakers, Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu, representing Edo Central and Anambra South senatorial districts.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday during plenary, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Ojo, administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the new senators.

Their swearing-in followed recent by-elections held to replace two vacant seats — one formerly occupied by Monday Okpebholo, who is now the Governor of Edo State, and the other by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died in July 2024.

Joseph Ikpea, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the Edo Central by-election, while Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) emerged victorious in Anambra South.

In his address, Senate President Akpabio described their election as a call to national service.

He reminded them that they now represent the entire country, not just their political parties.

“Today, you have been called to national duty. You are no longer senators of your political parties; you are senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

He encouraged them to familiarize themselves with the Senate’s standing rules and assured them of support from their colleagues as they settle into their legislative duties.

“Your colleagues who have been here will continue to assist you, so you will get used to the nuances of lawmaking,” Akpabio added.

Notable guests at the ceremony included former Delta State Governor James Ibori, former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, APGA National Chairman Sly Ezeokenwa, and several members of the House of Representatives from Edo and Anambra States.

With the addition of Ikpea and Nwachukwu, the Senate now has its full complement of 109 members.

In the by-elections, Nwachukwu secured 90,408 votes to defeat his closest rival, Azuka Okwuosa of the APC, who polled 19,847 votes.

Ikpea won with 105,129 votes, beating Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 15,146 votes.