The Senate has officially declared the Senate seats in Edo Central and Anambra South vacant, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise by-elections to fill the vacant positions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The Edo Central seat became vacant in December 2024 after Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as the Governor of Edo State, while the Anambra South seat has remained empty since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
Akpabio emphasised the need for INEC to conduct the elections as soon as possible to ensure proper representation for the affected constituencies in the Senate.
With INEC previously stating that it was awaiting an official request from the Senate to proceed with the Anambra South by-election, Akpabio’s call for prompt action is seen as a significant step towards filling the vacant seats.
The Edo State gubernatorial election took place on September 21, 2024, with Okpebholo emerging victorious as the APC candidate.
Recall that the President of the Senate Akpabio, during a farewell session for Okpebholo, December, 2024, formally declared the Edo Central Senatorial seat vacant following his inauguration as the Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024.
The declaration of Okpebholo’s seat vacant aligns with Section 68(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates that a lawmaker’s seat becomes vacant upon assumption of another public office.
The announcement followed a letter submitted by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South.
In his letter, Senator Moro cited the constitutional requirement to declare the seat vacant and urged the Senate President to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election for the district.
“This vacancy has become necessary following Senator Monday Okpebholo’s inauguration as governor. In compliance with the Constitution, his seat is now deemed vacant. I respectfully request that the Senate President make the declaration and notify INEC accordingly,” Moro wrote.
Recall also that the Senate had on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, held a valedictory session to honor the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who passed away on July 26, 2024.
The session, which was the sole item on the Order Paper, witnessed tributes from senators and dignitaries who celebrated his contributions to politics, business, and humanity.
Senators observed a minute of silence in honour of Ubah, who served in both the 9th and 10th Senates and was Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream. Born on September 3, 1971, Ubah was remembered for his grassroots connection and commitment to public service.
