Edo APC Chairman Urges INEC to Conduct Pending Bye-Elections

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently conduct bye-elections to fill two vacant legislative seats in the state.

In a statement issued in Benin City, Tenebe criticized the prolonged delay in organizing the elections, describing it as a setback to democratic governance. He emphasized that residents of Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have been left without legislative representation for over three months.

The legislative vacancies resulted from the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo, who stepped down to contest in the Edo State governorship election, and Honourable Dennis Idahosa, who left his position in the House of Representatives.

Tenebe suggested that if INEC lacks the financial resources or capacity to conduct the elections, the responsibility should be transferred to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). He maintained that continued inaction could further marginalize the affected constituents and erode trust in the democratic process.

He concluded by stressing that timely elections are essential to upholding the principles of representation and participation in a democratic society.