The House of Representatives, has mandated its Committee on Electoral Matters to summon the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to give reasons for the delay in conducting bye-elections to fill vacant seats in both the national and state assemblies.
This decision was made during Tuesday plenary of the House following the adoption of a motion moved by the honourable representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, Honourable Jafaru Leko at the House.
Leko, in his motion, noted that since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections and the subsequent swearing-in of elected officials, there have been multiple instances of resignations, deaths, and appointments of former members to executive positions in both the national and the state assemblies.
Referencing Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the lawmaker emphasised that such seats must be declared vacant.
He further noted out that Section 76(2) mandates that bye-elections be held within one month of a vacancy occurring.
“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,” the lawmaker said.
Leko however, expressed concern that the elongated vacancies and failure to conduct timely bye-elections disenfranchise citizens, violating the constitutional principle of adequate representation.
He warned that such electoral inaction could set a dangerous precedent, where compliance with the Constitution and electoral laws becomes optional rather than mandatory.
While adopting the motion, the House directed the committee in charge of electoral matters to investigate the cause of the delay and invite INEC’s leadership to provide a detailed explanation.
The committee was also tasked with outlining steps taken to address the situation.
In furtherance, the Committee on Legislative Compliance was mandated to ensure the implementation of the resolution and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
