APC, Labour Party, NNPP Demand INEC Conducts Bye-Elections, Reject Internal Party Replacements

This stance counters a proposal by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, advocating for political parties to handle such replacements internally.

Falana argued that electoral votes belong to political parties, making them better suited to decide replacements for representatives who resign or pass away. However, the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) firmly opposed the idea, emphasizing that INEC remains the most credible body to manage elections, in line with global democratic standards.

Despite INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s concerns about the financial and logistical challenges posed by frequent bye-elections, LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, warned against sidelining the electorate. “Democracy is about representing the people. They must have a say in who replaces their representatives,” Ifoh stated.

Similarly, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, dismissed Falana’s proposal as inappropriate. He reiterated that elections, whether general or by-elections, are fundamental to democracy and must not be replaced by party-based appointments.

Conversely, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supported Falana’s suggestion, citing the potential cost savings for INEC. PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, argued, “Allowing parties to fill vacant positions would reduce the financial burden on INEC.”

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) adopted a more cautious stance, calling for broader consultations. APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, emphasized the need for inclusive deliberations to determine the best path forward. “If INEC is highlighting the cost implications, and others are suggesting internal party replacements, this matter should undergo wider consultation to reflect the will of the majority,” Ibrahim said.

He added that improving electoral systems to ensure winners emerge in the first round could also reduce the frequency of bye-elections, minimizing both costs and disruptions.