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INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has raised concerns over the escalating costs and logistical challenges posed by the increasing frequency of by-elections across Nigeria.
Speaking during a consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, Yakubu emphasised the need for legislative reforms to establish cost-effective methods of filling vacancies at the national and state assemblies.
This comes as human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), urged the commission to discontinue the conduct of by-elections, citing them as a wasteful expenditure.
Falana argued that since votes belong to political parties, replacements for elected officials who vacate their positions should not necessitate by-elections.
Yakubu disclosed that since June 2023, the commission has recorded 23 vacancies caused by the deaths or resignations of lawmakers to take up executive positions.
While INEC conducted nine by-elections in 2024, another 14 vacancies have since emerged, straining the commission’s resources.
“These by-elections are unpredictable, unbudgeted, and challenging to plan. Worse still, some by-elections trigger additional ones. For instance, a by-election for a senatorial seat vacated by a House of Representatives member leads to another by-election for the vacated House seat, which then requires a State Assembly replacement,” Yakubu explained.
He lamented the financial burden of these elections, adding, “One by-election has the potential to lead to three others, diverting the commission’s attention from its broader electoral responsibilities.”
Yakubu reiterated the commission’s long-standing call for reforms, noting that alternative systems for filling vacancies are successfully implemented in other countries.
He revealed that INEC has advocated for such changes since 2016 and renewed its appeal during its 2025 budget defense before the National Assembly.
“We are pleased that more Nigerians are joining the call for reform. Working together, we can improve and strengthen our electoral process,” he said.
Yakubu also outlined plans for key elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election slated for November 2025 and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election scheduled for February 2026.
“Primaries for the Anambra election will hold between March 20 and April 10, 2025. Additionally, the FCT Area Council election is set for February 21, 2026, to elect six Area Council Chairmen and 62 Councilors,” he noted.
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, underscored the need for credible elections to sustain Nigeria’s democracy.
He urged INEC to prioritize transparency and fairness, particularly in the upcoming Anambra State Governorship Election and the 2027 General Elections.
Dantalle highlighted the worrying trend of voter apathy, describing it as a “sad commentary on our democracy,” and called on INEC to strengthen its election frameworks.
He also urged the National Assembly to expedite constitutional and Electoral Act amendments and ensure the timely passage of the 2025 budget to support INEC’s preparations.
“Our democracy is not where it should be, but with collective responsibility, we can build a nation grounded in unity, stability, and justice,” Dantalle concluded.
