INEC Declares Vacancies in Rivers, Jigawa, and Kaduna Lawmakers’ Seats

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced vacancies in four constituencies following the deaths or resignations of lawmakers. The vacancies include the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, which was caused by the demise of Isa Dogonyaro in Abuja on Friday after an illness, as well as three state constituencies.

The affected state constituencies are: Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers State, the Bagwai/Shanono State Constituency of Kano State, and the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State.

Speaking at a quarterly consultative meeting with Media Executives, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated that the commission would announce the dates for by-elections into the affected constituencies once necessary modalities were completed.

Yakubu also revealed that the commission was remobilizing to conclude outstanding rerun elections in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State and Ghari (formerly Kunchi Local Government Area) for the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.

The INEC chairman explained that the February 3 rerun elections in Enugu and Kano states were marred by violence and thuggery, leading to the suspension of the election.

He urged the media to assist the commission in mobilizing Nigerians, particularly residents of Edo and Ondo states, to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections in both states.