INEC Urges Political Parties to Nominate Fresh Candidates for Bye-Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on political parties to field fresh candidates for bye-elections into state and federal legislative positions.
Recurring Vacancies in Legislatures
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, raised the concern during the year’s first quarterly meeting with political parties. He noted that since the inauguration of the current national and state assemblies in June 2023, vacancies have arisen in 23 constituencies due to various circumstances.
In the past year alone, the Commission conducted nine bye-elections, and 14 additional vacancies have occurred since then. Prof. Yakubu highlighted the challenges posed by such elections, describing them as “unpredictable, unbudgeted, and difficult to plan in advance.”
Chain Effect of Bye-Elections
The INEC Chairman pointed out that some bye-elections result in a chain reaction, creating more vacancies.
“For instance, a bye-election in one senatorial district might be won by a House of Representatives member from the same district, creating another vacancy in the House. Subsequently, a State Assembly member could win the House seat, causing yet another vacancy in the State Assembly,” Yakubu explained.
He emphasized that this cycle diverts the Commission’s attention from its broader electoral responsibilities and increases costs unnecessarily.
Advocacy for Legislative Reform
Prof. Yakubu reiterated INEC’s longstanding advocacy for cost-effective alternatives to filling legislative vacancies. He urged political parties and other stakeholders to support efforts to amend relevant laws in line with practices in other jurisdictions.
“Just three weeks ago, we reiterated this position during the defense of our 2025 budget before the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives,” he said.
Appeal to Political Parties
Yakubu called on political parties to cooperate by nominating fresh candidates for bye-elections.
“We appeal to you, as leaders of political parties, to nominate fresh candidates, rather than serving members, to avoid multiple elections for a single constituency,” he stated.
He commended parties for their cooperation during previous elections, expressing hope for continued collaboration to ensure efficient and cost-effective bye-election processes in the future
