Monday, July 13, 2026

Senate urges INEC to conduct by-elections in Edo, Anambra

Mr Akpabio stated, “Those seats are declared vacant. I urge INEC to conduct elections in line with the constitution to fill those vacancies.”

• March 11, 2025
INEC Photo (Credit: Punch Newspapers)
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)(Credit: Punch Newspapers)

The Senate has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant Senate seats in Edo Central and Anambra South.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the call during Tuesday’s plenary while officially declaring both seats vacant and emphasising the need for prompt electoral action.

Mr Akpabio stated, “Those seats are declared vacant. I urge INEC to conduct elections in line with the constitution to fill those vacancies.”

INEC had previously stated in January 2025 that it was awaiting an official request from the Senate before proceeding with the Anambra South by-election.

The Anambra South Senatorial District has been without representation since July 2024, following Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s death.

Similarly, the Edo Central Senatorial Seat became vacant after Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as Edo governor in November 2024.

(NAN)

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