The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently organize bye-elections to fill vacant legislative seats in the state. This demand comes after an extended period of delay, during which two legislative positions have remained unfilled for over three months.
In a statement issued in Benin City, Tenebe expressed his concerns about the prolonged absence of proper representation for the people of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency. The vacancies in these districts occurred following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo, who stepped down from his position in Edo Central to contest in the state’s governorship election, and the vacating of the Ovia North East/South West seat by Honourable Dennis Idahosa.
Tenebe described the delay in organizing the elections as “unjustifiable” and stressed that the people in these areas have been left without proper representation for several months. He pointed out that this situation goes against the principles of the Constitution and democratic norms, noting, “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.”
In addition to his call for immediate action, Tenebe suggested that if INEC is unable to conduct the bye-elections due to financial constraints, it should consider transferring the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
He stated, “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.”
