The Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, was called by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Electoral Matters on Tuesday to provide an explanation for the postponement of holding bye-elections to fill open seats in the national and state assemblies.
After a resolution filed by Mr. Jafaru Leko, who was representing the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, was adopted, this decision was made at plenary.
In his motion, Leko pointed out that several resignations, deaths, and nominations of former members to executive positions in both the national and state assemblies have occurred since the end of the general elections in 2023 and the swearing-in of elected authorities.
He emphasized that such seats must be declared empty, citing Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The House is aware that upon the declaration of these seats as vacant, the Independent National Electoral Commission, under Section 76(2), is obligated to conduct bye-elections to fill the vacancies and ensure proper representation of the affected constituencies.
“This inaction breaches the constitutional mandate, obstructs the democratic process, and deprives affected constituencies of their right to representation.”
He cautioned that such electoral inaction could create a risky precedent in which adherence to electoral laws and the Constitution becomes optional rather than required.
The House adopted the motion, instructing its Committee on Electoral Matters to look into the reason for the delay and ask INEC’s leadership to give a thorough explanation.
The committee was also tasked with describing the actions taken to resolve the issue.