By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Nigerian Senate has regained its full membership of 109 senators following the swearing-in of Joseph Ikpea (Edo Central) and Emmanuel Nwachukwu (Anambra South) at Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja.
Their entry into the upper chamber comes after by-elections organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to replace Senator Monday Okpebholo, who vacated the Edo Central seat after becoming governor, and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, whose death in July 2024 created the Anambra South vacancy.
The ceremony, overseen by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saw the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Ojo, administer the oath of office and allegiance to the new lawmakers.
In a rare gesture, the Senate suspended its standing rules to allow dignitaries and family members to witness the event. Former Delta State Governor James Ibori, ex-Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and other political figures graced the occasion.
Akpabio, in his charge, urged the senators to quickly acquaint themselves with legislative procedures and contribute actively to the chamber’s work.
“With your inauguration today, we have restored the Senate to full capacity. The responsibility now rests on you to give Nigerians the quality representation they deserve,” he said.
The addition of Ikpea and Nwachukwu not only restores the Senate’s numerical strength but also rebalances political representation ahead of upcoming legislative debates and oversight functions.