The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has issued a firm ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the vacant legislative seats in the state.
In a statement released in Benin City, Tenebe expressed dissatisfaction with the prolonged delay in filling the two vacant seats, stressing that it has left the affected constituencies without representation for over three months.
He described the situation as a breach of democratic principles and electoral guidelines. “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 letter of our constitution,” Tenebe said.
The vacancies were created after Senator Monday Okpebholo resigned from the Edo Central Senatorial seat to contest and win the state governorship election. Similarly, Honourable Dennis Idahosa vacated his position as the representative of Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency to become the state’s Deputy Governor.
Tenebe urged INEC to conduct the bye-elections immediately. He further suggested that if INEC is unable to organize the elections due to financial constraints, it should 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 EDSIEC. The people cannot continue to be denied their right to representation,” Tenebe emphasized.
He concluded by stating that the delay not only disenfranchises constituents but also threatens the integrity of the democratic process, which thrives on active participation and representation.
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