Home Politics INEC chair raises concerns over costly by-elections, calls for legislative reforms

INEC chair raises concerns over costly by-elections, calls for legislative reforms

INEC by-election reforms
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INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, calls for reforms to reduce the escalating costs and logistical issues surrounding frequent by-elections in Nigeria

 

 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has expressed concerns over the increasing costs and logistical difficulties posed by the frequent occurrence of by-elections across Nigeria.

Also read: INEC gives FG 141 recommendations to improve Nigeria’s electoral practise

Speaking at a consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu highlighted the need for legislative reforms that would establish more cost-effective methods for filling vacancies in the national and state assemblies.

Yakubu’s remarks follow the call from human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), who urged INEC to cease conducting by-elections, arguing that they are wasteful expenditures.

Falana contended that since votes belong to political parties, the replacement of elected officials who vacate their positions should not require by-elections.

Since June 2023, Yakubu disclosed that INEC has recorded 23 vacancies caused by the deaths or resignations of lawmakers who took up executive positions.

The commission has already conducted nine by-elections in 2024, with an additional 14 vacancies emerging, placing further strain on INEC’s resources.

“These by-elections are unpredictable, unbudgeted, and challenging to plan. Worse still, some by-elections trigger additional ones.

For instance, a by-election for a senatorial seat vacated by a House of Representatives member leads to another by-election for the vacated House seat, which then requires a State Assembly replacement,” Yakubu explained.

He noted that the financial burden associated with these by-elections is significant, with one by-election potentially leading to multiple others, diverting the commission’s focus from its broader electoral duties.

Yakubu reiterated INEC’s long-standing call for reforms, citing the success of alternative systems used in other countries for filling vacancies.

“We have advocated for such changes since 2016 and renewed our appeal during our 2025 budget defence before the National Assembly,” he said.

“We are pleased that more Nigerians are joining the call for reform. Working together, we can improve and strengthen our electoral process.”

Yakubu also outlined plans for key upcoming elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election in November 2025 and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election in February 2026.

He confirmed that primaries for the Anambra election would take place between March 20 and April 10, 2025.

The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, stressed the importance of credible elections to maintain Nigeria’s democracy.

Dantalle called on INEC to prioritise transparency and fairness, particularly for the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election and the 2027 General Elections.

He also highlighted the concerning trend of voter apathy, urging INEC to strengthen its election frameworks.

Dantalle urged the National Assembly to expedite amendments to the Constitution and Electoral Act and ensure the timely passage of the 2025 budget to support INEC’s preparations.

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