The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently conduct bye-elections for two vacant legislative seats in the state.
In a statement released on Monday, Tenebe expressed concern over the prolonged absence of representation for the Edo Central Senatorial District and the Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency, which have been without elected representatives for more than three months.
He stated, “The people of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have been without proper representation for three months now. This delay is in violation of the provisions of our constitution and democratic principles.”
Tenebe has now issued a stern ultimatum to INEC, demanding that the commission move quickly to conduct the bye-elections.
He further suggested that if INEC lacks the resources to conduct the elections, it should consider delegating the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). “If INEC is financially incapable or unwilling to hold these elections, they should transfer the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission. The people must not continue to be deprived of their right to representation,” he emphasized.
The APC chairman criticized the delay, stating that it not only disenfranchises the affected constituents but also undermines the democratic process. “This inaction sends a dangerous message. It weakens the very foundation of democracy, which thrives on representation and active participation,” Tenebe added.
The vacancies occurred following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo, who vacated the Edo Central Senatorial seat to contest and win the governorship election in the state, and the resignation of Honourable Dennis Idahosa, who left his position as the representative for Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency to assume office as the state’s Deputy Governor.
Edo APC Chairman Issues Ultimatum to INEC Over Vacant Seats
