The Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe has urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill two vacant legislative seats in the state.
According to a statement released in Benin City, Tenebe described the act by INEC as an “unjustifiable delay” in holding the elections, explaining that the residents of such constituencies have been left without a proper representation for the past three months.
“For three months, the people of Edo Central Senatorial District and the Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have lacked proper representation. This situation is a violation of both the constitution and the fundamental principles of democracy,” he stated.
The two seat became vacant after Senator Monday Okpebholo resigned from the Edo Central Senatorial seat to become the executive governor of the state and Honourable Dennis Idahosa stepped down as the representative of Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency after been nominated as the deputy governor.
Tenebe urged INEC to immediately conduct the bye elections, adding that if the Commission lacks the financial capacity to conduct the bye-elections, it should hand over the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
“If INEC cannot conduct these elections due to financial constraints or lack of will, they should hand over the responsibility to EDSIEC. Our people deserve representation and cannot continue to be sidelined,” he said.
He further stated that that the delay of the bye election does not only disenfranchises voters but also threatens the integrity of the democratic process.
“This continued inaction sends a troubling message and undermines democracy, which depends on active representation and citizen participation,” Tenebe added.