Vacant Seats Stir Tension: Constituents Demand Action on Eight Unfilled National Assembly Positions

The prolonged delay in conducting bye-elections for eight vacant federal legislative seats is drawing sharp criticism from citizens, civil society organizations, and political observers across Nigeria. Since the 10th National Assembly’s inauguration in June 2023, eight seats—comprising seven in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate—have remained unoccupied due to a combination of deaths and resignations.

This development, which has left several communities without direct representation in the nation’s highest legislative body, underscores a critical lapse in democratic governance and electoral compliance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to announce bye-election dates, despite constitutional mandates that such vacancies be filled within a specified timeframe.

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Public Patience Wears Thin Over INEC’s Prolonged ‘P’ Postponement

Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), INEC is required to conduct bye-elections within 30 days once a seat in the National Assembly is declared vacant. However, nearly a year into the 10th Assembly, the Commission has failed to act on the formal notifications of these eight vacant seats, triggering mounting pressure and skepticism about its independence and operational readiness.

The list of deceased lawmakers includes:

• Oriyomi Onanuga (Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North, Ogun) – Died January 2025
• Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga (Isa/Sabon Birni, Sokoto) – Died October 2023
• Isa Dogonyaro (Garki/Babura, Jigawa) – Died May 2024
• Ekene Adams (Chikun/Kajuru, Kaduna) – Died July 2024
• Olaide Akinremi (Ibadan North, Oyo) – Died July 2024
• Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) – Died July 2024 in the UK

In addition to these, two seats became vacant after lawmakers Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa resigned their positions following their victories in the 2024 Edo State governorship and deputy governorship elections.

Despite the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas formally declaring these seats vacant, no tangible progress has been made toward conducting bye-elections.

INEC Cites Funding Constraints

The apparent inaction from INEC has sparked questions about both its commitment and capacity. In an interview with BusinessDay, Rotimi Oyekanmi, spokesperson to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, acknowledged the commission’s awareness of the legal obligations. However, he blamed the lack of progress on financial constraints.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is willing and ready to conduct all bye-elections when they fall due. In the current situation, a lack of funds is responsible for the delay,” Oyekanmi stated.

This admission has only intensified the public’s frustration, with many viewing it as an unacceptable excuse given the critical role of legislative representation in a functioning democracy.

Civil Society Demands Urgent Response

Civil society organizations and electoral watchdogs are increasingly vocal about the implications of this delay. Groups like the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and Yiaga Africa argue that the lack of representation for these eight constituencies effectively disenfranchises their populations.

“These communities have lost their voices on the floor of the National Assembly. Critical issues affecting these areas are left without proper advocacy or representation. INEC must act swiftly to uphold electoral integrity,” a spokesperson for CDD stated.

The absence of elected representatives affects not only legislative debates but also constituency projects, motions, and budgetary allocations, leaving these areas disadvantaged in federal policymaking.

Political Implications and Strategic Concerns

Analysts warn that the delay may have political undertones, especially with some of the vacant seats located in politically sensitive regions. The timing of the bye-elections, or lack thereof, could influence the balance of power in both legislative chambers.

Moreover, the vacancies disrupt the political calculus ahead of the 2027 general elections. With INEC’s credibility on the line, failure to act could damage public trust in future electoral exercises.

What Next?

While INEC insists it is prepared once funds become available, the onus also falls on the executive and legislative arms to ensure the commission is financially equipped to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

In the meantime, constituents across the eight affected districts continue to wait—frustrated, disenfranchised, and disillusioned.

Without swift action, what should be a routine democratic process risks turning into a broader crisis of confidence in Nigeria’s electoral and representative systems.