The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed plans to conduct re-run elections in 34 constituencies, comprising one Senatorial District, 11 Federal Constituencies, and 22 State Assembly constituencies at the beginning of February 2024. This decision follows the orders from the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of INEC, made the announcement on Monday during an extraordinary meeting with political party leaders. This meeting, held barely two months after the last regular quarterly consultative meeting in October 2023, aimed to update party leaders on the Commission’s readiness for the upcoming elections.
Yakubu explained that out of the 1,191 petitions filed, 34 constituencies, constituting 2.8 per cent, require re-run elections. Notably, in three instances, the Commission was directed to conduct elections across entire constituencies, while in the remaining 31, elections will take place in specific polling units.
“These elections fall into two categories. Firstly, as Election Petition Appeal Tribunals conclude their post-2023 General Election proceedings, the Commission is mandated to conduct re-run elections in specific constituencies by court orders,” Yakubu said.
“Secondly, the Commission is tasked with holding bye-elections to fill vacancies resulting from the demise or resignation of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly,” he said.
Enumerating the logistical aspects, Yakubu clarified that the Commission plans to consolidate both types of elections on the same day, details of which, he said, would be discussed in the meeting.
“Re-run elections involve only the original participating parties and candidates, except in cases of candidate replacement due to death. Conversely, bye-elections are entirely fresh, necessitating political parties to conduct new primaries within the legally stipulated timeframe,” he said.
The INEC Chairman assured that following this consultative meeting, the Commission would convene to assess preparations and announce a specific date, accompanied by a detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the elections. Comprehensive delineation details, including polling unit locations, registered voters, and collected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in each constituency, will be accessible on the INEC website for public scrutiny.
Notable attendees at the meeting included leaders of political parties, National Commissioners, Secretary to the Commission, and other senior officials.
