By: Bayero Ade
The House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s recent recommendation that serving lawmakers should be barred from contesting bye-elections.
According to Afripost, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, made the committee’s position clear in a statement to Parliamentary Correspondents.
He emphasized that there is no law in Nigeria that prevents serving lawmakers or political officeholders from participating in bye-elections.
Hon. Balogun clarified that INEC’s recommendation is merely advisory and does not have legal backing under the Electoral Act. He also argued that such a move would be undemocratic and contrary to principles of fairness.
To further support his argument, Balogun cited the examples of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, both of whom successfully contested elections while serving as lawmakers.
“Serving lawmakers bring significant legislative experience and should be seen as qualified candidates for higher office,” he stated.
Balogun emphasized that bye-elections are often a result of resignations or fatalities and should remain open to all eligible candidates. He added, “Democracy is about giving people the choice. We should not limit the pool of candidates; let the people decide.”
Criticizing the notion of excluding candidates based on INEC’s recommendation, he pointed out that such advice does not carry the force of law.
“While parties and candidates may choose to follow the advice, it should not be grounds for disqualification,” he concluded, urging political parties to focus on the will of the electorate.
“Ultimately, democracy is about letting the voters decide who will represent them,” he said.
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