INEC Set to Hold By-elections in 34 Constituencies at the Start of 2024

By Iyojo Ameh

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to conduct by-elections in 34 constituencies, encompassing one Senatorial District, 11 Federal Constituencies, and 22 State Assembly constituencies.

The decision stems from directives issued by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, disclosed this development during an extraordinary meeting with political party leaders held on December 18, 2023.

This gathering, occurring just two months after the last quarterly consultative meeting in October 2023, aimed to apprise party leaders of the Commission’s readiness for the impending elections.

Out of the 1,191 petitions filed, Professor Yakubu highlighted that 34 constituencies, representing 2.

8% of the total petitions, require by-elections. Notably, the Commission has been mandated to organize elections across entire constituencies in three cases, while in the remaining 31 constituencies, elections will occur in specific polling units.

“The upcoming elections fall into two distinct categories,” explained Professor Yakubu. “Firstly, as the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals conclude their post-2023 General Election proceedings, the Commission is directed to hold by-elections in specific constituencies as per court orders.”

“Secondly,” he continued, “the Commission is tasked with conducting bye-elections to fill vacancies arising from the passing or resignation of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.”

Professor Yakubu clarified the logistical arrangements, stating, “Our intention is to combine and conduct both categories of elections on the same day. Re-run elections involve only the original participating parties and candidates, except in cases where a deceased candidate needs replacement. However, bye-elections constitute entirely new polls, requiring political parties to conduct fresh primaries within the legally prescribed timeframe.”

Following this consultative meeting, the INEC Chairman assured that the Commission would convene to review preparations and announce a definitive date, accompanied by a detailed timetable and activities schedule for the elections. Comprehensive delineation details, including polling unit locations, registered voters, and collected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in each constituency, will be made available on the INEC website for public access.

Key attendees at the meeting included Leaders of Political Parties, National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and other senior officials.