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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed its intention to conduct rerun elections and bye-elections in the first week of February 2024. This announcement was made by the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during an extraordinary consultative meeting with political parties held at the Commission headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Professor Yakubu explained that the decision to hold these elections was in compliance with the directives of various Election Petition Appeal Tribunals. These tribunals have ordered rerun elections in 34 constituencies, comprising one Senatorial District, 11 Federal Constituencies, and 22 State Assembly constituencies.
Furthermore, the Chairman highlighted that bye-elections would be conducted to fill vacancies resulting from the deaths or resignations of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly.
"The purpose of this meeting is to brief party leaders on the Commission’s preparation for the forthcoming elections to be held early in the new year," Professor Yakubu stated.
He elaborated on the two categories of elections. Firstly, the Commission is obligated to conduct rerun elections as the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals conclude their proceedings following the 2023 General Election. Secondly, the need for bye-elections arises from vacant seats in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
The Commission intends to combine and conduct both categories of elections on the same day, with specific details to be discussed further in the ongoing meeting.
"While rerun elections involve the parties and candidates that participated in the general election, unless a party wishes to replace a deceased candidate, bye-elections are considered as fresh elections," Professor Yakubu clarified.
He emphasized that political parties must organize fresh primaries within the stipulated timeframe provided by law. Out of the 34 constituencies mandated for rerun elections, only three cases require elections to be held across the entire constituency, while the remaining 31 constituencies involve elections in specific polling units.
As the preparations unfold, INEC aims to ensure a transparent and efficient electoral process in line with legal requirements and court directives.
