The Nigerian Senate has officially directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections for the vacant seats in Edo Central and Anambra South Senatorial Districts. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made this announcement during the plenary session on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, thereby formally declaring these vacancies.

The vacancy in the Edo Central Senatorial District arose following the inauguration of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State in December 2024, after his election. Similarly, the Anambra South seat has been unoccupied since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.

Previously, in January 2025, INEC had stated that it was awaiting a formal request from the Senate before proceeding with the by-election for Anambra South. With the Senate's recent directive, INEC is now expected to organize the by-elections to ensure that the affected constituencies regain representation in the upper legislative chamber.

The prompt conduct of these by-elections is crucial to uphold the democratic process and ensure that the constituents of Edo Central and Anambra South have active representation in the Senate.