INEC Eyes Early February for 2023 General Election Re-run and Bye-elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is contemplating the first week of February for the conduct of re-run and bye-elections stemming from the 2023 general elections, according to Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, INEC chairman. The announcement came during an extraordinary consultative meeting with political parties held in Abuja on Monday.
Prof. Yakubu indicated that INEC plans to hold both the re-run and bye-elections on the same day. As the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals established in the aftermath of the 2023 General Election conclude proceedings, the commission is mandated to conduct re-run elections in certain constituencies based on court orders. Additionally, bye-elections are required to fill vacancies resulting from the death or resignation of members of the National or State Houses of Assembly.
Revealing further details, Prof. Yakubu stated that the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals have directed the Commission to conduct re-run elections in 34 constituencies, including one Senatorial District, 11 Federal Constituencies, and 22 State Assembly constituencies. However, he clarified that these constituencies represent only 2.8% of the 1,191 petitions filed, and in most cases, elections are to be held in specific polling units rather than entire constituencies.
Highlighting the importance of the upcoming elections, Prof. Yakubu explained that the comprehensive analysis at the end of all litigations would include cases where INEC was ordered to issue Certificates of Return to other candidates. The findings would contribute to lessons learned from the 2023 General Election for subsequent reforms to enhance the conduct of future elections.
Following the consultative meeting, INEC will conduct a review of preparations and announce a definitive date, along with a detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the elections. Delimitation details, encompassing locations, the number of polling units, registered voters, and Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collected in each constituency, will be made available on the INEC website for public information.
Source: Daily Nigerian
