Several months after the demise of some federal lawmakers in active service, and the resignation of two legislators, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to conduct by-elections to fill the vacuum created.
Some persons of the affected constituencies have cried out, citing failure of the commission to guarantee them adequate representation and sense of belonging.
However, INEC has said that it is being hampered by funds. Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the commission said it would act on the issue when funds are made available.
Daily Trust reports that there are seven vacant seats at the National Assembly. A break down showed that there are two vacant seats at the Senate and five at the House of Representatives.
Also, while five vacancies have been created sequel to the death of five lawmakers in both chambers, two vacancies are occasioned by the electoral victories of two lawmakers.
In the Senate, two seats are vacant. This followed the death of Senator Ifeanyi Uba (APC, Anambra South) and the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC, Edo Central) as governor of Edo State.
Uba died in London in September 2024, while Okpebholo was elected governor on September 21, 2024.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has since declared their seats vacant.
“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,” Oyekanmi said.
However, sources within INEC told one of our reporters that apart from the issue of funding, the commission was concerned about the security challenges in some of the affected constituencies and the safety of its personnel who would conduct the by-elections.
The members
The member representing Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Rep. Isa Dogonyaro died in May, 2024.
Similarly, Rep. Olaide Akinremi, representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State and Rep. Ekene Adams, representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, also died on separate dates in July, 2024.
In September 2024, Senator Ifeanyi Uba (APC, Anambra South), lost his life in London. His seat was later declared vacant by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In January, 2025, the House also lost its Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Adewunmi Onanuga, who represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State.
Sequel to the deaths of members, the House held a valedictory session to appreciate their contributions to nation-building and other sacrifices they made before their departure.
The valedictory session which was held at the Chambers with tributes and reflections from House members was led by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas.
Apart from those who died in active service, two other lawmakers – one from the Senate and another from the House of Representatives – won elections and left the National Assembly for new roles at the state level.
Another political analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo, condemned the delay in the conduct of the by-elections, saying denying the people quality representatiion is a bad omen for democracy.
“I wonder what has become of INEC. They are failing in their responsibilities. This is wrong,” he said.
He called on the electoral body to reconcile the issue of funding with the appropriate authorities in government to give hope to the people.
DAILY TRUST.
