Why INEC Has Not Conducted By-Elections for Seven National Assembly Seats

Several months after the death and resignation of some federal lawmakers, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to conduct by-elections to fill seven vacant seats at the National Assembly. The delay has left constituents without representation, prompting frustration and calls for action from various communities and political actors.

Currently, two senatorial seats and five seats in the House of Representatives remain unoccupied. The vacancies stem from the deaths of five lawmakers and the election of two others to executive positions at the state level. Despite constitutional provisions requiring prompt replacement through by-elections, INEC has not conducted the polls.

INEC cited lack of funding as the primary reason for the delay. Speaking to *Daily Trust*, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission is awaiting funds to proceed. “INEC will conduct all outstanding by-elections in due course. We have been hampered by lack of funds. But we are confident that all funding issues will soon be resolved,” he said.

However, some INEC officials also hinted at security concerns in certain constituencies as a contributing factor to the delay, particularly regarding the safety of personnel during elections.

The two Senate seats became vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Uba (APC, Anambra South) in September 2024, and the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC, Edo Central) as Governor of Edo State on September 21, 2024. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has formally declared both seats vacant.

In the House of Representatives, five seats are currently unoccupied. Rep. Isa Dogonyaro (Garki/Babura, Jigawa) died in May 2024. In July 2024, two more lawmakers—Rep. Olaide Akinremi (Ibadan North, Oyo) and Rep. Ekene Adams (Chikun/Kajuru, Kaduna)—also passed away. Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga (Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North, Ogun), Deputy Chief Whip, died in January 2025. Another seat was vacated by Dennis Idahosa (Ovia Federal Constituency, Edo), who became Deputy Governor of Edo State.

The delay in conducting the by-elections has drawn criticism from affected constituents. In Kajuru, Kaduna State, residents expressed anger over the prolonged vacancy created by the death of Rep. Ekene Adams. Benjamin Yuhana Maigari, a community leader, said, “We feel forgotten, neglected, and unrepresented.” Another constituent, Haruna Ibrahim Nasarawa, noted that it has been over a year since Adams’ death with no by-election held, despite legal expectations for one within 90 days.

In Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, constituents are similarly aggrieved. Aslem Ojezua, an APC member, and Victor Edoro, a former state lawmaker, both accused INEC of denying their districts federal representation. They called on the commission to act swiftly, with Edoro lamenting, “Where does the salary and the money for constituency projects for the district go to?”

Friday Aghedo, spokesperson for Deputy Governor Idahosa, said the Ovia constituency has lost its legislative voice since the seat became vacant. Another resident, Dr. Jerry Osamede, said the area has gone 150 days without representation, which he described as a democratic failure.

Political parties have also voiced concern. PDP Secretary in Edo, Hilary Otsu, described the situation as “a bad omen for democracy.” Acting APC Chairman in the state, Jarret Tenabe, called the delay a violation of constitutional and democratic principles.

Elder statesman and politician Chief Chekwas Okorie dismissed INEC’s excuse, insisting that the commission must fulfill its statutory duty. “The National Assembly should have called INEC to order because there are seats that are vacant and the constituents are not being represented,” he said.

Civil society groups and analysts have echoed these concerns. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, noted that by-elections are not just procedural but fundamental to democracy. He cited legal provisions mandating INEC to act upon formal declarations of vacancy by legislative presiding officers, emphasizing that delays in such declarations and funding shortages compound the problem.

Professor Chris Kwaja called for legal reforms to reduce the powers of presiding officers in declaring vacancies, while political analyst Jackson Lekan Ojo accused INEC of failing in its responsibilities and urged it to resolve its funding issues with government authorities.

The delay in conducting these by-elections continues to cast a shadow over Nigeria’s democratic process, as citizens in seven constituencies await the restoration of their legislative voice.