 over its failure to conduct by-elections for vacant legislative seats.){kind=link}
The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its failure to conduct by-elections for vacant legislative seats.
The decision was reached following a motion moved by Rep. Jafaru Leko (APC-Bauchi) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Leko pointed out that since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, multiple legislative seats had become vacant due to resignations, deaths, and appointments of former lawmakers to executive roles.
He cited Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines the conditions under which a legislative seat is vacated.
Additionally, he referenced Section 76(2), which mandates INEC to organize by-elections within a month of a seat being declared vacant.
Expressing concern over the prolonged delay, Leko argued that the absence of elected representatives was depriving constituents of their right to proper representation, thereby undermining democratic principles.
He warned that INEC’s failure to conduct these elections in a timely manner not only violates constitutional provisions but also disrupts legislative proceedings and weakens governance.
The House subsequently directed its Committee on Electoral Matters to summon INEC’s leadership to explain the reasons for the delay and the steps being taken to address the situation.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas also tasked the Committee on Legislative Compliance with ensuring the resolution is implemented, requiring a progress report within four weeks for further legislative action.