The House of Representatives has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill vacant seats in the National and State Assemblies.
During Tuesday’s plenary, the House summoned INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the leadership of the electoral body over alleged delays in organizing the bye-elections.
The resolution followed a motion by Hon. Jafaru Leko, who represents Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State. Leko, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that several lawmakers at both federal and state levels have either resigned or passed away since the 2023 general elections.
He emphasized that, under Section 76(2) of the 2022 Electoral Act, INEC is legally mandated to conduct bye-elections to ensure proper representation of affected constituencies. Leko described the delay as a violation of constitutional provisions, undermining due process and denying citizens adequate representation.
Following a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the motion was unanimously adopted.
The House has now mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure the resolution’s timely implementation and report back within four weeks.
