The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the timetable and schedule for upcoming by-elections and court-ordered re-runs.
The move was due to the resignation or death of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, a statement by the commission explained.
The Commission declared that these vacancies span across two Senatorial Districts, four Federal Constituencies, and three State Constituencies in nine States of the Federation.
The seats were formerly held by various members who have since stepped down or passed away, their positions declared vacant by the Presiding Officers – the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly.
Moreover, the commission is also tasked with conducting re-run elections as directed by various Election Petition Appeal Tribunals in the aftermath of the 2023 General Election. At present, 35 Constituencies are affected by these court-ordered elections, with three encompassing entire constituencies, while the rest involve only a few Polling Units.
National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun , stated that both categories of elections are scheduled to occur concurrently in all affected constituencies, with the date set for Saturday 3rd February 2024.
He also noted that the commission had uploaded the timetable for the elections, along with detailed delimitation data (including registration areas, polling unit names, the number of registered voters and PVCs collected) on their official website and social media platforms. This move is aimed at guiding political parties and candidates, as well as informing the public. “We urge parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the specified timelines for the seamless conduct of these elections,” Mr. Olumekun stressed, underlining the importance of following the set-out timelines to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process.The commission’s announcement comes as part of its ongoing commitment to uphold democratic values, ensuring that vacant positions in the nation’s legislative houses are filled, and that the will of the people is respected in cases where election results have been contested.