Citypost News Desk

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has once again underscored the importance of nominating fresh candidates for bye-elections to fill vacant legislative positions. The call, reiterated by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during his recent meeting with political party leaders, is not just an administrative preference but a pragmatic approach to reducing the financial burden on the electoral system while strengthening democratic representation.
Bye-elections in Nigeria have proven to be both unpredictable and costly. The continuous chain reaction triggered by electing sitting legislators to higher offices where a House of Representatives member wins a senatorial seat, only to be replaced by a State Assembly member, thereby creating another vacancy, which places an undue strain on resources. This cycle diverts INEC’s focus from other critical electoral duties and increases the financial burden on both the commission and the government.
A more cost-effective solution is the nomination of fresh candidates who are not currently holding elective positions. By doing so, political parties can break the cycle of multiple bye-elections triggered by a single vacancy. This approach, as seen in past cases where fresh candidates were nominated, significantly reduces the need for repeated polls, ultimately conserving public funds and ensuring stability in the legislative process.
Beyond financial considerations, nominating fresh candidates enhances democratic participation and inclusivity. It provides an opportunity for new voices, fresh ideas, and broader representation in governance. By allowing more political actors to enter the legislative space, the system fosters a more dynamic democracy, where leadership is not monopolized by a small group of career politicians simply moving from one position to another.
Prof. Yakubu’s call aligns with global best practices, where other democracies have adopted alternative methods to filling vacancies without resorting to multiple elections. Nigeria must begin to explore similar legal reforms that ensure the bye-election process remains efficient and minimally disruptive. The National Assembly, in collaboration with INEC and political parties, should push for legislative amendments that institutionalize these cost-saving measures while upholding the integrity of electoral processes.
Political parties have a responsibility to heed INEC’s advice. By prioritizing fresh candidates in upcoming bye-elections, they will not only save public funds but also deepen Nigeria’s democratic space by giving new leaders the opportunity to emerge. The success of last year’s bye-elections, where fresh candidates were nominated without triggering additional vacancies, is a testament to the viability of this approach.
It is time for political parties to act in the national interest by embracing a more efficient and democratic nomination process. Nigeria’s democracy stands to gain immensely from a system that is both financially responsible and politically inclusive.