The House of Representatives has taken a significant step to address the delay in conducting bye-elections for vacant seats in the National and State Assemblies.
The House has mandated its Committee on Electoral Matters to invite INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to explain the reasons behind the delay.
The decision was made during plenary, following the adoption of a motion moved by Mr Jafaru Leko, representing the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State. Leko cited Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that vacant seats must be filled through bye-elections within one month.
The House expressed concerns that the delay in conducting bye-elections disenfranchises affected citizens, violating constitutional principles of representation. INEC’s inaction also obstructs legislative activities, lacking full participation from duly elected members.
The Committee on Electoral Matters will investigate the issue and invite INEC leadership to provide a detailed explanation. The Committee on Legislative Compliance will ensure implementation and report within four weeks for further legislative action.
This development comes after INEC announced plans to conduct re-run and bye-elections in February 2024, following court-ordered re-run elections in 34 constituencies.