The House of Representatives is currently in the spotlight as they have tasked their committee on Electoral Matters to investigate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for delays in conducting elections to fill vacant seats within the national and state assemblies. This decision stems from a motion introduced by Rep Jafaru Leko during a recent session. Leko highlighted the critical role of INEC in overseeing federal and state elections, emphasizing the importance of timely bye-elections to ensure proper representation of citizens in legislative bodies.
Challenges Faced by INEC
The constitution, as amended, clearly outlines the responsibilities of INEC in organizing elections across the nation. However, since the 2023 general elections, there have been several instances where vacancies have arisen due to resignations, deaths, or appointments of former members to executive positions. Sections 47 and 90 of the Constitution further underscore the need for vacant seats in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly to be filled promptly to uphold citizens’ rights to representation.
Rep Leko expressed concerns regarding the prolonged vacancy of these seats, which results in disenfranchising affected citizens and violates constitutional principles of representation. He noted the urgency for bye-elections to be conducted within a month of a vacancy to avoid prolonged periods of inadequate representation. The failure of INEC to take timely action not only disenfranchises voters but also sets a concerning precedent where adherence to electoral laws becomes discretionary rather than mandatory.
Implications of Vacant Seats
Daily Trust reported that there are currently seven vacant positions in the National Assembly, with five in the House of Representatives and two in the Senate. These vacancies have arisen due to a variety of reasons including deaths of elected officials and appointments to other positions. For example, Edo State is grappling with two vacant seats following the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Denis Idahosa, who previously represented constituencies in the National Assembly.
The deaths of prominent lawmakers like Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and Isa Dogonyaro have also left gaps in representation in Anambra and Jigawa states, respectively. The absence of elected officials in these constituencies not only leaves citizens without adequate representation but also raises questions about the effectiveness of the electoral process in addressing vacancies promptly.
In response to these challenges, the House of Representatives has taken a proactive stance by directing its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure that INEC adheres to constitutional provisions and conducts bye-elections in a timely manner. By overseeing compliance with electoral laws, the committee aims to safeguard the rights of citizens and uphold the democratic values enshrined in the constitution.
The delays in conducting bye-elections not only affect the constituents directly involved but also have broader implications for the democratic process in Nigeria. It is imperative that electoral bodies like INEC fulfill their mandate promptly and efficiently to ensure that citizens’ voices are heard and their interests represented effectively in legislative bodies. Failure to address these vacancies promptly not only undermines the credibility of the electoral process but also erodes public trust in the democratic institutions that govern the nation.
