INEC To Conduct Bye-elections Feb 14 After Deaths Of Four Lawmakers

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct four bye-elections on February 14 in different states, the commission’s national commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, said on Wednesday.

The bye-elections will hold in Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State and some constituencies in Kwara, Sokoto, and Niger states.

According to the statement, the bye-elections were as a result of the deaths of lawmakers occupying offices in the national and state assemblies.

The statement reads: “It will be recalled that on 6th February 2020, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed Saturday 14th March 2020 for the conduct of bye-elections in three constituencies following the deaths of some serving members of the National and State Assemblies. The Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives had declared a vacancy in Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency of Niger State; the Honourable Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly had declared a vacancy in Patigi State Constituency while the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly had also declared a vacancy in the Kebbe State Constituency.

“Subsequently, the National Assembly, through a letter dated 10th February 2020, informed the Commission of the death of Honourable Adamu Muhammadu Fagen Gawo, Member representing Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, who died on 31st December 2019. Consequently, the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives has declared the seat for Babura/Garki Federal Constituency vacant.

“The Commission has therefore fixed Saturday 14th March 2020 for the bye-election to be held simultaneously with the other bye elections on the same date. The Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and other social media platforms.”