The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently conduct bye-elections to fill the two vacant legislative seats in the state.
In a statement issued from Benin City, Tenebe expressed his dissatisfaction with the prolonged delay in filling the vacant positions, stressed that the people of the affected constituencies have been without representation for over three months. He described the delay as a violation of democratic principles and electoral guidelines.
“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 is against the spirit and letters of our constitution and democratic norms,” Tenebe stated.
The vacancies arose after Senator Monday Okpebholo resigned from the Edo Central Senatorial seat to contest and win the governorship election, and Honourable Dennis Idahosa vacated his position as the representative of Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency to become the state’s Deputy Governor.
Tenebe urged INEC to expedite the process, warning that the continued delay undermines the democratic process. He suggested that if INEC faces financial constraints, the responsibility for conducting the bye-elections could be transferred to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
“If INEC is financially incapacitated or lacks the will to conduct these elections, then they should cede the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). The people cannot continue to be denied their right to representation,” Tenebe added.
The APC Chairman emphasized that the continued inaction not only disenfranchises the affected constituents but also send a harmful message, undermining the essence of democracy.
