The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday officially declared the seat of Denis Idahosa, the newly elected deputy governor of Edo State, vacant. Idahosa, who had represented the Ovia Federal Constituency, was sworn in as the deputy governor of Edo State on November 12, following his election in the state’s governorship election held on September 21.
This declaration was made after a letter from the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, was read on the floor of the House. The letter requested that the seat be declared vacant to initiate the process of electing a new representative for the Ovia Federal Constituency. This action marks a significant step towards filling the vacancy created by Idahosa’s new political role in the state government.
With the vacancy now confirmed, the House of Representatives is left with four vacant seats that will require fresh elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to oversee the process of electing replacements for these vacant positions. The move follows the standard procedure when a sitting member of the House assumes a different office, creating the need for a new representative to fill the position.
The declaration also comes as part of the ongoing transition within the country’s political landscape, as new leadership takes form both at the state and federal levels. The vacancy in Ovia’s constituency, in particular, has stirred interest as the residents of the area will soon be looking to elect a new member to represent their interests in the national legislature.
The vacancy of Idahosa’s seat sets the stage for electoral proceedings that will determine the next representative for the Ovia Federal Constituency, while the House of Representatives now contends with a growing number of vacant seats requiring fresh elections under the supervision of INEC.
