The Nigerian Senate has formally declared vacant the Edo Central and Anambra South senatorial seats, paving the way for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize by-elections to fill these crucial legislative positions. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during a plenary session, underscoring the importance of ensuring full representation for the affected constituencies. The Edo Central seat became vacant in December 2024 following the elevation of the then-Senator, Monday Okpebholo, to the governorship of Edo State in November of the same year. Meanwhile, the Anambra South senatorial seat has remained vacant since the unfortunate demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024. This official declaration by the Senate triggers the constitutional process for holding by-elections to fill the vacancies.
The vacancy in Edo Central arose from the natural progression of political leadership within the state. Monday Okpebholo’s assumption of the governorship necessitated his resignation from the Senate, creating the vacancy now requiring a by-election. This transition underscores the interconnectedness of different levels of government and the constitutional mechanisms designed to ensure continuous representation at the legislative level. The by-election will provide the people of Edo Central with the opportunity to elect a new senator to represent their interests in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
The situation in Anambra South is different, marked by the tragic loss of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. His unexpected death left a void in the Senate and a deep sense of loss within his constituency. While the timing of his passing presented logistical and emotional challenges, the need to ensure continued representation necessitates the holding of a by-election. This process will allow the people of Anambra South to choose a successor to carry forward the legislative agenda and represent their interests at the national level.
Prior to the Senate’s official declaration, INEC had maintained a position of readiness while awaiting the formal notification from the Senate. In January 2025, during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the International Press Centre in Awka, Anambra State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agu, confirmed that INEC was prepared to conduct the Anambra South by-election upon receipt of the official request from the Senate. This demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to upholding the electoral process and ensuring timely elections to fill vacant legislative seats. With the Senate’s recent declaration, INEC now has the official mandate to proceed with organizing the necessary electoral processes.
The Senate President’s call for swift action underscores the significance of these by-elections in upholding democratic representation. The absence of representation for both Edo Central and Anambra South deprives these constituencies of their voice in the Senate and hampers their ability to contribute effectively to national legislative processes. By urging INEC to conduct the by-elections expeditiously, the Senate President emphasizes the urgency of restoring full representation for these constituencies.
The by-elections in Edo Central and Anambra South present an opportunity for the electorate in these senatorial districts to exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives. The outcome of these elections will shape the political landscape of these regions and contribute to the overall composition of the Senate. The process will also serve as a test of the electoral system’s responsiveness to filling vacancies and ensuring continuous representation in the legislative arm of government. The successful conduct of these by-elections will be a testament to the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
