By The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarret Tenebe, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently organize bye-elections to fill two legislative seats that have remained vacant for over three months.
Speaking from Benin City, Tenebe criticized the prolonged delay in conducting the polls, describing it as a disregard for democratic values and the rights of the constituents affected. He noted that residents in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have been left without representation at a critical time.
“It’s been over three months, and the people in these constituencies still lack elected voices in government. This situation is unacceptable and undermines the democratic process,” he said.
The legislative vacancies were created after Senator Monday Okpebholo stepped down to contest in the state’s governorship election, which he later won, while Honourable Dennis Idahosa resigned his position following his emergence as the Deputy Governor.
Tenebe urged INEC to fulfill its constitutional responsibility by fixing dates for the bye-elections. He further suggested that if INEC is unable or unwilling to carry out the elections, the task should be handed over to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
“If INEC cannot meet its obligation due to financial or logistical challenges, then it should delegate the responsibility to EDSIEC. People deserve to be represented, and further delays are unjustified,” he added.
The APC chairman warned that continued silence and inaction on the matter could weaken public trust in the democratic system.
“When citizens are left without representation, the very foundation of our democracy is shaken. INEC must act now,” he emphasized.
