The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has formally administered the oath of office to three newly elected lawmakers who emerged victorious in the August 16, 2025, bye-elections
The swearing-in, which took place on Tuesday during plenary at the National Assembly, Abuja, marked the official entry of the new members into the 10th House of Representatives.
They were among five candidates elected to fill vacant seats created by the death of four members and the resignation of another who became a deputy governorship candidate in Edo State.
The lawmakers sworn in include Omosede Igbinedion, representing Ovia South/Ovia West/Ovia North-East Federal Constituency of Edo State; Joseph Bagudu of Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State; and Mukhtar Rabiu, representing Garki/Babura Federal Constituency, Jigawa State.
Their emergence followed the bye-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the affected constituencies in August.
According to INEC’s final results, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) won four of the five seats, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured one.
However, two lawmakers-elect — Elegbeji Ayola of Sagamu/Ikenne/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State and Oyekunle Sunday of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State, were absent from Tuesday’s ceremony. The House did not immediately provide reasons for their absence.
Mr Sunday is notably the only PDP member among the five new entrants.
The vacancies arose following the deaths of Ekene Adams (Kaduna), Isa Dogonyaro (Jigawa), Olaide Akinremi (Oyo), and Oriyomi Onanuga (Ogun), all of whom passed away between 2024 and 2025.
Another seat became vacant when Hon. Dennis Idahosa resigned to become the running mate to Senator Monday Okpebholo in the 2024 Edo governorship election.
Speaking after the ceremony, Speaker Abbas congratulated the new members and urged them to “bring fresh ideas and renewed commitment to the service of their people.”
He emphasised that the House expects its contributions to “strengthen democracy and deepen legislative productivity.”
He also expressed condolences once again to the families of the late lawmakers whose deaths created the vacancies, describing their loss as “a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the need for dedicated public service.”
The newly sworn-in legislators are expected to resume full legislative duties immediately, joining committees and participating in deliberations as the House reconvenes for the final quarter of the legislative calendar.