The Independent National Electoral Commission has declared 5 Senatorial and 4 House of Assembly seats vacant in 7 states across the nation.

The list was published today, May 21st on the commission’s website and on various social media platforms as they called for a bye election to fill the vacant seats in compliance with the Nigerian electoral laws.

Notably among the 9 seats is that of Cross River State’s northern senatorial district which was previously occupied by Senator Doctor Rose Oko,who died in a London clinic after suffering complications from cancer and also two in Bayelsa State including the position formerly occupied by the present Governor and deputy Governor of the State.

Currently there are currently 100 senators in the red chambers of the Nigerian legislative house which constitutionally should house 109 senators with 3 representing each state and one from the federal capital territory.

The release as signed by the electoral body is shown below;

As at today, the Commission is planning for nine (9) bye-elections across seven (7) States of the Federation as follows:

1. Bayelsa Central Senatorial District
2. Bayelsa West Senatorial District
3. Imo North Senatorial District
4. Plateau South Senatorial District
5. Cross River North Senatorial District
6. Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State
7. Bayo State Constituency, Borno State
8. Nasarawa Central State Constituency, Nasarawa State
9. Bakori State Constituency, Katsina State

The provisions of the Policy on Conducting Elections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic shall also apply to the conduct of these elections.

In conclusion, the Commission urges all Nigerians to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols issued by the health authorities.

Festus Okoye Esq.
National Commissioner and Chairman,
Information and Voter Education Committee
21st May 2020

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INEC Declares Senatorial and Other Seats Vacant, to Conduct 9 Bye-Elections in 7 States