The upcoming primary elections are scheduled to precede the February 3 by-elections for federal constituencies and vacant senatorial seats organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)…CONTINUE READING

These primary elections are set to take place in several states, namely Lagos, Ondo, Kebbi, Taraba, Yobe, Benue, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and Borno.

The genesis of most of these vacancies can be attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of National Assembly members to executive positions.

Notably, five incumbent members were selected to join his cabinet, including Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, Ibrahim Gaidam as Minister of Police Affairs, Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior, and Tanko Sununu as Minister of State for Education.

The prior roles of Umahi and Gaidam in representing Ebonyi South and Yobe East in the Senate, respectively, along with Gbajabiamila’s legislative position in Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State, left these seats vacant.

Similarly, Sununu and Tunji-Ojo, who served as representatives for Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency of Kebbi State and Akoko North-east/Akoko North-west Federal Constituency of Ondo State, respectively, also created vacancies due to their ministerial appointments.

Moreover, the passing of Isma’ila Maihanchi led to a vacant seat in Taraba State’s Jalingo/Yorro/Zing Federal Constituency.