The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to hold bye-elections to fill the seats of four National Assembly members who died in 2024. These bye-elections will be scheduled after the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. The governorship elections are set for September 21 and November 16, 2024, respectively.
The need for these bye-elections arose from the unfortunate deaths of four members of the 10th National Assembly, which began in June 2023. The members who passed away were:
• Isa Dogonyaro: A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dogonyaro represented the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the House of Representatives. He died on May 10, 2024, in Abuja.
• Ekene Adams: Adams was a member of the Labour Party, representing the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. He passed away on July 16, 2024, at the age of 39.
• Musiliudeen Akinremi: Akinremi represented the Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State. He died on July 10, 2024.
• Senator Ifeanyi Ubah: Ubah represented Anambra South in the Senate. He died in London on June 28, 2024.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, confirmed that the bye-elections to fill these vacant seats are expected to be conducted after the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo State. The exact dates for the bye-elections will be determined and announced by INEC in due course.
Earlier this year, on February 3, 2024, by-elections were held in nine constituencies across nine states. These bye-elections were necessary to fill seats that had become vacant due to the deaths or resignations of members elected in the 2023 general elections. The February 2024 bye-elections included two senatorial districts, four federal constituencies, and three state constituencies.
The process for conducting bye-elections involves several stages, including setting dates, notifying political parties, and preparing electoral materials. INEC ensures that the process is transparent and fair, allowing eligible voters to participate in choosing their new representatives.
The bye-elections are crucial for maintaining the effective functioning of the National Assembly. The assembly relies on its members to represent their constituencies, contribute to legislative processes, and participate in decision-making that affects the entire country. Filling these vacant seats ensures that the legislative body continues to operate smoothly and effectively.
