By Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold bye-elections soon.
He wants them to fill two vacant National Assembly seats without more delay. These seats belong to Edo State.
The vacancies arose after Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa resigned. Okpebholo represented Esan Central Senatorial District in the Senate. Idahosa served Ovia North East/South West in the House of Representatives. Both stepped down to run for Edo State governor and deputy governor. They won those roles.
In a statement from Benin City, Tenebe voiced frustration over the delay. He called it unjustifiable. For over three months, he said, the affected areas have had no representation. This, he warned, goes against democratic rules.
“The people of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have been without proper representation for three months now. This is against the spirit and letters of our constitution and democratic norms,” Tenebe stated.
He pressed INEC to act fast. Also, he suggested a backup plan. If INEC lacks funds or will to hold the elections, it should hand the task to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
“If INEC is financially incapacitated or lacks the will to conduct these elections, then they 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.
Tenebe added that the delay harms voters. Plus, it weakens democracy’s core. “This inaction sends a wrong message. It undermines the very essence of democracy, which thrives on representation and participation,” he noted.