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Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s Noble Exit and the Imperative of a Bye-Election in Ondo South
By Allen Sowore, Esq
The recent declaration by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, of vacant senatorial seats in the 10th Senate following the unfortunate deaths of some lawmakers serves as a timely constitutional reminder: no constituency must be left without representation.
Those vacancies—across Enugu North, Nasarawa North, and Rivers South-East—were created by tragedy. In Ondo South Senatorial District, however, the story is markedly different. It is not one of loss, but of elevation.
On April 20, 2026, the Distinguished Senator representing Ondo South, His Excellency, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, formally presented his letter of credence to António Guterres at the United Nations Secretariat in New York. This act confirmed his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Nations, following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and subsequent confirmation by the Senate.
The provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) are clear and unambiguous. Section 68(1)(a–g) outlines the conditions under which a legislative seat becomes vacant, and this situation squarely falls within those parameters.
Equally, the Constitution provides explicit guidance on the process and timeline for filling such vacancies. Section 76(1) mandates that elections to each House of the National Assembly shall be held on a date appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in accordance with the Electoral Act.
Furthermore, Section 76(2) stipulates that such an election must not be held earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days before the dissolution of the House. However, where the election is to fill a vacancy occurring more than 90 days before that date, it must be conducted not later than 30 days after the vacancy occurs.
This is not optional. It is not discretionary. It is a constitutional obligation.
Any attempt—whether by inertia, political calculation, or administrative delay—to subsume this responsibility under preparations for the 2027 general elections would amount to a grave disservice to the people of Ondo South. Democracy does not operate on convenience; it operates on fidelity to the rule of law.
More than a year remains in the current legislative cycle. That is not a trivial period—it is time enough for critical lawmaking, oversight, and constituency advocacy. To leave Ondo South without representation for such a duration would amount to nothing less than silent disenfranchisement.
The people of Ondo South Senatorial District deserve full representation, and the unexpired tenure must not be abandoned. Therefore, the Senate President, INEC, political parties, and all relevant stakeholders must act with urgency and constitutional fidelity. The process of conducting a bye-election should commence without delay, ensuring that the people of Ondo South are not reduced to spectators in a system where they are entitled to a voice.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s elevation is worthy of celebration. But the vacuum his exit creates must be treated with equal seriousness.
Representation delayed is representation denied.
Allen Sowore, Esq.
22nd April, 2026
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