INEC Plans Re-Run, Bye-Elections For Feb 2024

By Nathaniel Gana and Dominic James

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) today informed leaders of political parties that it will conduct court – ordered re-run elections in 34 constituencies and bye-elections to fill vacancies arising from the death or resignation of members of the National and State Houses of Assembly across the country in February 2024.

Giving the details at an extra-ordinary meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu told the party leaders that as the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals set up in the aftermath of the 2023 General Election conclude their cases, INEC has so far been required to conduct re-run elections in 34 constituencies, made up of one Senatorial District, 11 Federal Constituencies and 22 State Assembly constituencies.

Significantly, Prof. Yakubu noted, the 34 constituencies constitute only 2.8 percent of the 1,191 petitions filed by litigants. Besides, out of the 34 re-run elections, the Commission was ordered to conduct elections in the entire constituencies in only three cases, whereas, in the other 31 constituencies, elections are to be held in a few polling units.

Prof Yakubu said the re-run elections would involve only the parties and candidates that participated in the general election, unless a party wishes to replace a dead candidate. “However, bye-elections are fresh elections. Consequently, political parties must conduct fresh primaries within the limited period provided by law,” he added.

On the date for the elections, the INEC Chairman said the Commission was considering the first week of February 2024 but would meet to review preparations and announce a definite date, including the detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the elections.

He said: Full delimitation details, including locations, number of polling units, registered voters, and Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collected in each constituency will be uploaded to our website for public information.”