Reps summon INEC chair over ‘delay’ in conducting bye-elections for national, state assemblies

The house of representatives has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats in national and state assemblies.

At Tuesday’s plenary, the house summoned Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, and the leadership of the electoral umpire over the alleged delay in the conduct of the bye-elections.

The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Jafaru Leko, the lawmaker representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa federal constituency of Bauchi state.

Since the 2023 general election, some lawmakers in the state and national assemblies have either resigned or passed away.

Moving the motion, the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker said INEC is obligated under section 76(2) of the 2022 Electoral Act to conduct bye-elections to fill the vacant positions and ensure proper representation of the affected constituencies.

“The continued vacancy of these seats without the holding of timely bye-elections is disenfranchisement of the people of the affected area and denies them the right to adequate representation,” he said.

“The delay in conducting the bye-elections for the vacant seats is a contravention of constitutional provision, a breach of the due process and denial of the affected constituencies’ proper
representation.

“This electoral inaction from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
violates the principles of democracy and representative governance, leaving citizens unrepresented, and also obstructs legislative activities as committees and plenary sessions lack full participation from duly elected members.”

The legislator said the alleged inaction sets a “dangerous precedent” where compliance with the constitution and electoral laws becomes optional rather than mandatory.

The motion was unanimously adopted when subjected to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker.

Consequently, the house mandated the committee on legislative compliance to ensure implementation and report back within four weeks.