The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has issued an ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the delay in filling vacant legislative seats.
The positions for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency have been vacant for over three months.
Tenebe stated that the prolonged vacancy has left the affected areas without representation, which he believes undermines both democratic norms and the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement on Monday, he expressed urgency, saying, “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.”
He further criticized INEC’s inaction, emphasizing the importance of timely elections to maintain democratic integrity: “This inaction sends a wrong message. It undermines the very essence of democracy, which thrives on representation and participation.”
The vacancies arose following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Honourable Dennis Idahosa, both of whom moved on to new positions in the state government.
Tenebe has called on INEC to either conduct the elections or, if financially incapable, transfer the responsibility 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,” he stated, stressing the need for the people to have their right to representation restored.