The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate conduct of bye-elections to fill two vacant legislative seats in the state.
In a statement, the party’s chairman, Jarret Tenebe, expressed dismay at what he described as an unjustifiable delay in addressing the vacancies.
He warned that residents of the affected constituencies had been left without representation for over three months—an outcome he said contravened democratic principles and electoral guidelines.
“The people of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have been without proper representation for three months. This situation violates both the spirit and the letter of our constitution, as well as the norms of democratic governance,” Tenebe stated.
The vacancies arose following the resignation of Monday Okpebholo from the Edo Central Senatorial seat, in order to contest the governorship election—an election he ultimately won.
Similarly, Dennis Idahosa vacated his seat as the representative for Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency after emerging as the state’s deputy governor.
Tenebe called on INEC to act without delay. He further suggested that if the Commission lacked the financial capacity or political will to organise the bye-elections, it should consider transferring the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
“If INEC is financially incapacitated or unwilling to conduct these elections, then it should cede the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). The people cannot continue to be denied their right to representation,” he said.
He stressed that the prolonged delay not only disenfranchised constituents but also threatened the credibility of the democratic process.
“This inaction sends the wrong message. It undermines the very foundation of democracy, which is built on representation and active participation,” he added.
