The Senate on Wednesday officially swore in Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as new members representing Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial Districts, respectively.

The swearing-in followed successful bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the two vacant senatorial seats.

INEC had declared the Edo Central seat vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo, the former occupant, was elected Governor of Edo State, paving the way for Ikpea’s emergence.

Similarly, the Anambra South bye-election became necessary following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented the district until August 2025. The poll was contested by 12 political parties on August 16.

Following the swearing-in, the APC now holds 71 Senate seats, while the PDP has 28, Labour Party (LP) holds 5, NNPP has 1, SDP has 2, and APGA now has 2, bringing the total number of Senators to 109.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the oath of office and allegiance to the new lawmakers during plenary.

In his congratulatory remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the Senate as “the most elite club in the world,” welcoming the newcomers into the fold.

“You are now Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, no longer carrying the name of your parties. Remain focused and do those things that will make our country great,” Akpabio said.

He also urged them to study the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders (as amended in 2023) thoroughly to guide their legislative responsibilities.

Among those present at the chamber to witness the swearing-in were former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Lee Ikpea; and Samson Osagie, among others.

Akpabio, while appreciating the guests, jokingly added,

“Including the women, so that they will not say I do not like women.”