The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed plans to conduct rerun and bye-elections nationwide in February 2024 to address existing vacancies in both state and federal legislatures.
This announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a meeting held in Abuja on Monday with leaders of political parties, laying out the groundwork for the impending elections.
Yakubu clarified the distinction between rerun and bye-elections, highlighting that reruns involve parties and candidates from the previous general election, except in cases where a party seeks to replace a deceased candidate. Conversely, bye-elections constitute entirely fresh electoral contests.
Highlighting the judicial directives following the conclusion of litigation, Yakubu outlined the mandate for rerun elections in 34 federal and state constituencies, encompassing one Senate seat, 11 federal constituencies, and 22 state constituencies.
He confirmed that both types of elections would take place concurrently on the same day, emphasizing that political parties must conduct new primaries within the stipulated legal timeframe.
Addressing party leaders, Yakubu stated, “The purpose of this meeting is to update party leaders on the Commission’s readiness for the upcoming elections early next year. These elections fall into two categories…”
He further elaborated, “As the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals conclude their proceedings post the 2023 General Election, the Commission is mandated to conduct rerun elections per court orders. Additionally, bye-elections are necessary to fill vacancies arising from the demise or resignation of members in the National and State Houses of Assembly.”
The Chairman assured that INEC would meticulously analyze the petitions, including cases mandating the issuance of Certificates of Return to alternative candidates, as part of the broader assessment to improve future electoral processes.
Yakubu concluded by revealing the anticipated timeline, stating, “The Commission aims to conduct both the rerun and bye-elections in the first week of February 2024, just a little over a month from now.”