In response to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recommendation that political parties bar incumbent members from running in bye-elections, the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has reacted.
The committee’s chairman, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, told Parliamentary Correspondents that there is currently no law that prohibits current parliamentarians or political office holders from running for office again.
The Electoral Act does not support INEC’s proposal, which Hon. Balogun underlined is only a recommendation that parties are free to accept or reject. He said that it would be unjust and unfair to prevent incumbent members from running in bye-elections.
Referencing Governor Diri Douye and his deputy in Bayelsa and Monday Okpebholo and his deputy in Edo State as instances of candidates who ran for and won elections while sitting as lawmakers, the lawmaker further pointed out that it is typical practice to use current parliamentarians to fill open seats.
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For high elective positions, particularly in bye-elections, he recommended political parties and voters to think about running incumbent MPs because of their accumulated legislative expertise.
However, that is not covered by our Electoral Act, nor is it covered by any current legislation that would prevent anyone from running for office.
Furthermore, if I were to offer any advice, I would say that it is preferable to use current members who have expertise in the sector since, if you are considering replacing a senator, you should consider a representative.
Furthermore, it’s regrettable that there was a by-election. It goes without saying that the majority of candidates for Senate seats are often former members of the House following each season and term.
It’s regrettable that this occurred since either people died or some resigned. But if such a chance arises, we shouldn’t limit it to specific individuals. Everyone should be able to access it. Since this is a democracy, the winner should be the one with the largest number.
That is democracy’s main goal. The number matters. Thus, we shouldn’t limit it. Additionally, he is a technocrat, so he might think that I should merely conserve money.
It’s not just about money, though, when discussing politics. The key is interest. What the people desire is the main concern. In all federal constituencies, senatorial districts, and even throughout Nigeria, let the people’s will be carried out.
Since it’s not covered by our law, as I mentioned, it’s counsel. You have two options: either you follow the suggestion if it suits you, or you don’t.
“Advice is not a law.” And I doubt that anyone who wishes to vote for a candidate will feel good about claiming that the INEC Chairman illegally disqualified their candidate.
In light of this, I suggest everyone who wants to run to pursue their goals and let the voters in their respective district decide.
At this point, I don’t believe that any party can or would include that in their legislation. For anyone to be excluded on this basis would be illegal. Thus, that’s my straightforward viewpoint,” he stated.
