The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stated that Nigeria should reform the electoral laws to stop by-elections because of the rising financial and logistical burdens associated with by-elections in Nigeria. Speaking in Abuja during a consultative meeting with political party leaders, Yakubu stressed that the current system of conducting by-elections is unsustainable, unpredictable, and resource-intensive. He highlighted that legislative changes are needed to adopt cost-effective and efficient methods for filling vacancies in the national and state assemblies without compromising democratic representation.
Prof. Yakubu revealed that since June 2023, INEC has faced an increasing number of vacancies due to lawmakers resigning or dying, with 23 such cases already recorded. In 2024 alone, the commission conducted nine by-elections, and another 14 vacancies have since arisen. He pointed out that the cycle of by-elections often creates a domino effect, where filling a vacancy in one legislative house leads to subsequent by-elections for other seats, further compounding the commission’s challenges. This pattern, he warned, strains INEC’s capacity to manage broader electoral responsibilities and diverts resources from strategic electoral planning.
The financial implications are another critical concern. Yakubu described how a single by-election could necessitate up to three additional ones, placing a heavy financial burden on the commission’s already stretched budget. He lamented the difficulty of planning for these unanticipated events since they are typically unbudgeted. As a result, INEC’s overall effectiveness in administering elections is hindered, making it imperative for Nigeria to rethink its approach to handling legislative vacancies.
Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has also added his voice to the debate, calling for an end to by-elections. Falana argued that electoral mandates belong to political parties rather than individual candidates, suggesting that political parties should nominate replacements for vacant seats instead of holding fresh elections. He emphasized that this would eliminate unnecessary expenses while still upholding democratic principles.
Prof. Yakubu noted that INEC has consistently advocated for such reforms since 2016 and renewed its push during its 2025 budget defense before the National Assembly. He expressed optimism about the growing support for change among Nigerians and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to enhance the country’s electoral system. Pointing to successful examples in other countries, he urged lawmakers to consider alternative systems that maintain electoral integrity while reducing costs.
Looking ahead, INEC is preparing for major elections, including the Anambra State Governorship Election in November 2025 and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council Election in February 2026. Yakubu provided timelines for political parties to conduct primaries and underscored the importance of proper planning and timely budget approvals to ensure smooth electoral processes.
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, echoed Yakubu’s sentiments. He called for credible, transparent, and fair elections, stressing the urgent need to combat voter apathy, which he described as a troubling sign for Nigeria’s democracy. Dantalle urged both INEC and the National Assembly to prioritize constitutional amendments and reforms to strengthen the electoral framework. He concluded by advocating for collective efforts to build a democratic system rooted in unity, stability, and justice.
Prof. Yakubu’s call for reform reflects a broader consensus on the need to rethink how Nigeria manages electoral vacancies. By adopting more sustainable practices, the nation can safeguard its democratic processes while alleviating the financial and logistical pressures currently undermining its electoral system.
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