The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has issued an ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding that the commission immediately conduct bye-elections to fill two vacant legislative seats in the state.
In a statement issued in Benin City, Tenebe condemned what he described as the “unjustifiable delay” in holding the elections, highlighting that the constituents in the affected areas have been without representation for over three months.
“The people of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have been without proper representation for over three months now. This is a direct violation of the spirit of our constitution and democratic principles,” Tenebe said.
The vacancies arose after Senator Monday Okpebholo resigned from the Edo Central Senatorial seat to contest in the governorship election, and Honourable Dennis Idahosa vacated his position as the representative of Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency.
Tenebe urged INEC to act swiftly, stating that if the commission is financially unable to organize the bye-elections, it should consider transferring the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
“If INEC is financially incapacitated or unwilling to conduct these elections, they should delegate the task to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). The people cannot continue to be denied their right to proper representation,” he said.
He further emphasized that the ongoing delay not only disenfranchises the constituents but also weakens the democratic process.
