The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday administered the oath of office to two newly elected senators — Joseph Ikpea and Emmanuel Nwachukwu.

Senator Ikpea, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), now represents Edo Central Senatorial District, while Senator Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) represents Anambra South.

The duo emerged victorious in the recent bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant seats in their respective districts. The Edo Central seat became vacant following the election of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State, while the Anambra South seat became open after the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

The Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, administered the oath of office and allegiance during plenary, officially ushering the lawmakers into the 10th National Assembly.

In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio welcomed the new senators to what he described as “one of the most elite clubs in the world.” He urged them to familiarize themselves with the 1999 Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders (as amended in 2023), noting that mastery of these documents was essential for effective legislative performance.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by dignitaries including former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Lee Ikpea; and Samson Osagie, among others. In his characteristic humour, Akpabio quipped, “Include the women, so they won’t say I don’t like women.”

With the new additions, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) now holds 71 seats in the Senate. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) follows with 28, the Labour Party (LP) has 5, while the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and APGA each have 2 senators. The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) retains one seat.