Senate declares 2-seat vacant, urges INEC to conduct by-elections

The Nigerian Senate has officially declared the Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial seats vacant, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize by-elections to fill the positions.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during plenary on Tuesday, explaining that the Edo Central seat became vacant following the swearing-in of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State in December 2024.

Similarly, Anambra South has remained unrepresented since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.

INEC had previously stated in January 2025 that it was awaiting a formal request from the Senate before proceeding with the Anambra South by-election. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra, Elizabeth Agu, reaffirmed this stance during a stakeholders’ meeting in Awka, emphasizing that the commission was ready to act once officially notified.

With both senatorial districts currently lacking representation, Akpabio urged INEC to expedite the electoral process to ensure the affected constituents regain their voices in the upper legislative chamber.