The Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to organise by-elections to fill the vacant Senate seats in Edo Central and Anambra South.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made this announcement during Tuesday’s plenary while officially declaring both seats vacant.
The Edo Central seat became vacant in December 2024 after Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as the Governor of Edo State in November.
Similarly, the Anambra South seat has remained empty since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
INEC had previously stated in January 2025 that it was waiting for an official request from the Senate before proceeding with the Anambra South by-election.
During a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the International Press Centre in Awka, Anambra State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agu, confirmed that INEC was yet to receive this request.
With both senatorial districts currently unrepresented, Akpabio urged INEC to conduct the elections as soon as possible to ensure the affected constituencies have proper representation in the Senate.
