As preparations intensify for the forthcoming National Assembly by-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially commenced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms to aspirants seeking to contest various vacant legislative seats.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the by-elections will be conducted to fill vacant positions in two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies in the House of Representatives, and nine state constituencies across 12 states of the federation.
These vacancies arose from resignations, court judgments, and appointments of former lawmakers to other offices.
The APC, in a statement released yesterday, disclosed the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for aspirants. Those vying for a Senate seat are expected to pay N20 million, while House of Representatives forms are pegged at N10 million.
Aspirants for the State House of Assembly positions will pay N2 million. The party also announced that its primary elections to select candidates for the legislative seats will be held on July 16, 2025.
One of the early aspirants, Oscar Aghedo, has thrown his hat into the ring for the House of Representatives seat in the Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo State.
The seat became vacant following the elevation of the former representative, Dennis Idahosa, to the position of Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Speaking to journalists shortly after picking up his nomination and expression of interest forms, Aghedo, a former local government chairman, expressed his commitment to delivering purposeful and people-centered representation.
He emphasized the importance of lawmaking and promised to prioritize infrastructural development and human capital empowerment.
“My intention to serve in the Green Chamber is clear — to enact progressive legislation and offer quality representation to the people of Ovia South-West and Ovia North-East. While lawmaking remains the core duty of any legislator, today’s reality also demands active engagement in constituency development projects,” he stated.
Aghedo highlighted his vision for empowering the youth and enhancing the livelihoods of citizens in his constituency. He praised the infrastructural strides of his predecessor and pledged to build on that legacy, with a greater focus on empowering individuals and communities.
He also called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure transparency and credibility in the forthcoming primary election.
“Our party is reputed for conducting credible and transparent primaries. I urge the NWC to uphold this tradition on July 19. I am confident that we will witness a free, fair, and peaceful process,” he added.
In Kaduna State, another aspirant, Yakubu Waziri, declared his intention to contest the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat. Waziri commended the efforts of Governor Uba Sani in addressing the long-standing security challenges in the Southern Kaduna axis, especially within the Chikun and Kajuru areas.
“Not long ago, Chikun and Kajuru were synonymous with insecurity and unrest. Today, thanks to the interventions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, the narrative has changed. We now enjoy not just relative calm, but what can be described as sustainable peace — and to God be the glory,” Waziri said.
He assured constituents of his unwavering commitment to their development and safety if elected. “The progress we’ve seen is just the beginning. If given the opportunity to represent Chikun/Kajuru in the National Assembly, I promise that the people will have no cause for regret. With God’s help, we will deliver on all our promises.”
The APC’s by-election preparations mark another critical moment in the political calendar, as aspirants jostle to fill key legislative positions across the country.