The Nigerian Senate has officially declared two senatorial seats vacant and has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill the vacancies. The affected senatorial districts are Edo Central and Anambra South.
This decision, announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, paves the way for fresh elections in the two districts. The development has drawn attention from political stakeholders and the electorate, as the elections will play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s legislative landscape.
Why Are the Seats Vacant?
The two Senate seats became vacant due to different political circumstances:
- Anambra South Senatorial Seat
- This seat has been vacant since July 2024, following the unfortunate passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
- INEC had earlier stated in January 2025 that it was awaiting an official request from the Senate before proceeding with the bye-election.
- With the Senate’s latest declaration, the electoral body is now expected to schedule a fresh election soon.
- Edo Central Senatorial Seat
- The vacancy arose after Senator Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as the Governor of Edo State in November 2024.
- His transition to the governorship left his Senate seat open, requiring a bye-election to replace him.
| Senatorial District | Reason for Vacancy | Date of Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Anambra South | Death of Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah | July 2024 |
| Edo Central | Sen. Monday Okpebholo became Governor | November 2024 |
Senate’s Official Statement on the Bye-Elections
During the plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of filling these vacant positions. He stated:
“Those seats are declared vacant. I urge INEC to conduct elections in line with the Constitution to fill those vacancies.”
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With this declaration, all eyes are now on INEC to announce the timetable for the elections.
What Happens Next?
Following the Senate’s announcement, INEC is expected to:
- Set an official date for the bye-elections.
- Publish the election guidelines for candidates and political parties.
- Conduct voter awareness campaigns to ensure citizens in the affected districts are informed.
Political parties will now begin strategizing, selecting candidates, and intensifying campaigns to secure these crucial Senate seats.
| Next Steps | Expected Actions |
|---|---|
| INEC’s Response | Announce election dates |
| Political Parties | Conduct primaries & campaigns |
| Voters’ Role | Participate in elections |
Implications for Nigerian Politics
These bye-elections are significant because:
- They will determine the political balance in the Senate.
- They provide an opportunity for fresh leadership and representation in Edo Central and Anambra South.
- They will serve as an indicator of public sentiment ahead of the next general elections.
With high political stakes, these elections are expected to be keenly contested by Nigeria’s major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP).
Editor’s Commentary
The declaration of vacant Senate seats in Edo Central and Anambra South marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. As INEC prepares to conduct the bye-elections, voters, politicians, and stakeholders will be closely watching the developments.
Nigerians in these senatorial districts should stay informed, participate in the process, and ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming elections.
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