INEC to Conduct 5 Senatorials, 4 States Assembly Bye-Elections Seats in 7 States

By Innocent Orok

Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Five Senatorial and Four House of Assembly seats vacant in Seven states across the nation.

The list was published on the Commission’s website recently as they called for a bye- elections to fill the vacant seats in compliance with the Nigerian electoral laws.

Notably among the Five Senatorial Seats is that of Cross River State’s Northern Senatorial District which was previously occupied by Senator (Dr)Rose Oko, who died in a London clinic after suffering complications from cancer.

Also to filled the gap are the two Senatorial seats in Bayelsa State including the position formerly occupied by the present Governor, Senator Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

According to a statement by Festus Okoye Esq, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman,Information and Voters Education Committee dated 21st, May 2020, the Commission will conduct by- elections into the following seats,
Bayelsa Central Senatorial District and
Bayelsa West Senatorial District.
Imo North Senatorial District, Plateau South Senatorial District and Cross River North Senatorial District.

The States House of Assembly to be filled by the Commission are,
Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State
Bayo State Constituency, Borno State
Nasarawa Central State Constituency, Nasarawa State and Bakori State Constituency in Katsina State

Currently there are 100 Senators at the red chambers of the National Assembly out of a total of 109. Nigeria has three Senators each from the 36 States of the Federation and One from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The statement said the Commission is planning for Nine bye-elections across Seven States of the Federation.

“The provisions of the Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic shall also apply to the conduct of these elections.
In conclusion, the Commission urges all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols issued by the health authorities.” Okoye said.