FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED OVER FARMER-HERDER CLASH IN NINGI LGA THAT CLAIMED ONE LIFE. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cited financial constraints as the reason for delaying by-elections across Nigeria, including the one to replace the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Since June 2023, 23 vacancies have emerged in various constituencies due to deaths or resignations of lawmakers who took executive positions.
INEC conducted nine by-elections in 2024, but 14 more vacancies have been recorded, posing an ongoing challenge. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, stated that several by-elections are pending, but no date has been fixed due to lack of funds. The commission has approached the National Assembly for additional financial support.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized that the commission requires around N126bn to fund its activities for 2025 and prepare for the 2027 general elections. However, the proposed N40bn budget by President Bola Tinubu is inadequate, considering the need to cover increased salaries and allowances. The government has provided N500m for the pending by-elections, but this amount is insufficient to cover the full cost. Yakubu has urged the legislature to consider reforms for more cost-effective methods of filling vacancies in the National and State Assemblies.
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