The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate conduct of bye-elections into the two vacant legislative seats in the state.
In a statement released in Benin City, Tenebe expressed displeasure over what he described as an unjustifiable delay in filling the vacant seats, warning that the people of the affected constituencies have been left without representation for over three months—an action he said contravenes 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 letters of our constitution and democratic norms,” Tenebe stated.
The vacancies arose following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo from the Edo Central Senatorial seat to contest the governorship election in the state, which he won. Similarly, Honourable Dennis Idahosa, who vacated his position as the representative of Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency, emerged as the state’s Deputy Governor.
Tenebe urged INEC to act swiftly, adding that if the Commission lacks the financial capacity to organize the bye-elections, it should consider transferring 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 (EDSIEC). The people cannot continue to be denied their right to representation,” he said.
He stressed that the continued delay not only disenfranchises constituents but also undermines the integrity of the democratic process.
“This inaction sends a wrong message. It undermines the very essence of democracy, which thrives on representation and participation,” the APC chairman added.
