INEC Broke! Lawmakers’ Seats Remain Empty Amid Funding Crisis

Eight federal constituencies in the National Assembly remain without representation due to the deaths and resignations of lawmakers, leaving constituents voiceless and frustrated.

Although the Constitution mandates prompt bye-elections to fill such vacancies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to conduct the required polls—sparking growing discontent among civil society organizations, political analysts, and the affected communities.

Since the 10th Assembly was inaugurated in June 2023, six lawmakers—five from the House of Representatives and one senator—have passed away.

Additionally, two members resigned after emerging victorious in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, raising the number of vacant seats to eight.

Those deceased include:

• Oriyomi Onanuga (Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North, Ogun) – January 2025

• Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga (Isa/Sabon Birni, Sokoto) – October 2023

• Isa Dogonyaro (Garki/Babura, Jigawa) – May 2024

• Ekene Adams (Chikun/Kajuru, Kaduna) – July 2024

• Olaide Akinremi (Ibadan North, Oyo) – July 2024

• Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) – July 2024 in the UK

Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa relinquished their seats after being elected governor and deputy governor of Edo State, respectively.

While Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have declared the seats vacant, INEC is yet to set bye-election dates.

INEC Chairman’s spokesperson, Rotimi Oyekanmi, attributed the delay to budgetary constraints:

“The Commission is prepared to conduct all bye-elections as they become due. However, in this case, limited funding is a key factor behind the delay,” he told BusinessDay.