The Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize by-elections for the vacant senatorial seats in Edo Central and Anambra South.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made this announcement during plenary on Tuesday, officially declaring the vacancies.
The Edo Central seat became vacant following the swearing-in of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State in December 2024. Similarly, the Anambra South seat has remained unoccupied since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
INEC had earlier stated in January 2025 that it was awaiting a formal request from the Senate before proceeding with the by-election for Anambra South. The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State, Elizabeth Agu, reaffirmed this position during a stakeholders’ dialogue organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Awka.
With both senatorial districts currently unrepresented, Akpabio urged INEC to conduct the elections without delay to ensure effective representation for the affected constituencies.