The House of Representatives has instructed its Committee on Electoral Matters to summon the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to clarify the reasons for the delay in conducting bye-elections to fill vacant seats in the national and state assemblies. The decision was reached during a plenary session after Mr. Jafaru Leko, representing the Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, presented a motion addressing the issue.
Leko highlighted the need to declare vacant seats in accordance with Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) due to resignations, deaths, and appointments of former members to executive positions. He emphasized that Section 76(2) dictates that bye-elections should be held within one month of a vacancy occurring to ensure proper representation.
The prolonged vacancies and failure to conduct timely bye-elections were seen as disenfranchising citizens and violating the principle of adequate representation. Leko expressed concerns about the impact of such inaction on democratic processes and citizens’ rights to representation.
In response, the House mandated its Committee on Electoral Matters to investigate the delay, invite INEC’s leadership for an explanation, and propose solutions. The Committee on Legislative Compliance was also tasked with overseeing the implementation of the resolution and reporting back within four weeks for further action.