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.
The senate has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant seats in Edo central and Anambra south senatorial districts.
This call was made by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, during Tuesday’s plenary while officially declaring both seats vacant and emphasising the need for prompt electoral action.
The Edo central senatorial seat became vacant following the swearing-in of Sen. Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo state in November 2024. His transition to the governorship left his senate position unoccupied till date.
Similarly, Anambra south has been without representation since July 2024, following the passing of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah. Despite the vacancy, INEC had stated in January 2025 that it was awaiting an official request from the senate before proceeding with the necessary by-election.
At a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the International Press Centre in Awka, Anambra State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agu, confirmed that INEC had not yet received the formal request from the senate to conduct the Anambra south by-election. This delay has prolonged the absence of representation for the senatorial district.
