Inside the Delay: Why INEC Is Yet to Conduct By-Elections for 7 National Assembly Seats

Several months after the deaths and resignations of some federal lawmakers, seven seats at the National Assembly remain vacant, raising serious concerns over legislative representation for affected constituencies.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that despite repeated calls from constituents and stakeholders, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats, citing financial constraints and security challenges.

Breakdown of Vacant Seats

Currently, seven seats are vacant at the National Assembly:

Senate (2 Seats)

• Anambra South Senatorial District: Vacated following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (APC) in September 2024.

• Edo Central Senatorial District: Vacated after Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC) won the Edo State governorship election on September 21, 2024.

House of Representatives (5 Seats)

• Garki/Babura Federal Constituency, Jigawa: Vacated after the death of Rep. Isa Dogonyaro in May 2024.

• Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo: Vacated after the death of Rep. Olaide Akinremi in July 2024.

• Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna: Vacated after the death of Rep. Ekene Adams in July 2024.

• Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun: Vacated after the death of Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga in January 2025.

• Ovia Federal Constituency, Edo: Vacated after Dennis Idahosa became Deputy Governor of Edo State in 2024.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, have formally declared the seats vacant, in line with constitutional provisions.

Outcry from Constituents

Residents of the affected constituencies have expressed frustration over the delay, describing it as an infringement on their constitutional rights to representation.

• Chikun/Kajuru Constituency:

  • Benjamin Yuhana Maigari, a community leader in Kajuru, decried the delay, describing it as a “betrayal of democratic principles.”

  • Haruna Ibrahim Nasarawa, from Chikun, emphasized that it’s been over a year since the death of their representative with no by-election conducted.

• Edo Central Senatorial District & Ovia Federal Constituency:

  • Prominent Edo APC member Aslem Ojezua expressed concerns that failure to conduct by-elections contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

  • Victor Edoro, a former lawmaker, said he had personally written to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu about the prolonged injustice.

  • Friday Aghedo, spokesperson to Edo Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, argued that Ovia Federal Constituency has lost its legislative voice at the federal level.

Community leaders, civil society organizations, and political figures across the affected constituencies have continued to demand immediate electoral action.

INEC Cites Funding Challenges

In response, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, explained that the lack of funds has been a major impediment to conducting the by-elections.

“INEC will conduct all outstanding by-elections in due course. We have been hampered by lack of funds. But we are confident that all funding issues will soon be resolved,” Oyekanmi told journalists.

TJ News Nigeria learnt that beyond funding challenges, INEC officials have also expressed concerns over security threats in some of the affected constituencies, potentially endangering electoral officials and voters during the by-elections.

 

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Legal Requirements for By-Elections

According to Sections 76(2), 116(2), and 178(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), INEC is mandated to conduct by-elections within 90 days after a formal declaration of vacancy by the presiding officer of the legislative chamber concerned.

Despite these constitutional requirements, TJ News Nigeria reports that the delay has stretched beyond the stipulated period, fueling agitation from affected communities.

Stakeholders Demand Urgent Action

Prominent stakeholders have called on both INEC and the National Assembly to take responsibility and expedite the process:

• Chief Chekwas Okorie, elder statesman and former presidential candidate, described the delay as “a blatant violation of statutory responsibility.”

• Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, stressed that failure to provide representation is a “threat to democratic accountability.”

  “The delay in conducting by-elections into vacant seats is a significant concern in a democracy where citizens’ right to representation is paramount,” Itodo said.

Political Parties React

The delay has sparked political reactions:

• Hilary Otsu, Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, called the situation “a disgrace to Nigerian democracy.”

• Jarret Tenabe, acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, said “it is against the spirit of the constitution and democratic norms.”

Key Concerns Raised

• Lack of federal representation for over a year

• Misappropriation or stagnation of funds for constituency projects

• Erosion of democratic dividends in affected constituencies

• Increased political tension and community frustration

TJ News Nigeria gathered that as Nigerians await clarity on funding and security, calls are mounting for INEC to uphold its constitutional duty and ensure that no constituency is left without representation in the National Assembly.