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Reps summon INEC chairman over delay in bye-elections

Published

1 year ago

February 19, 2025

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu

Reps summon INEC chairman over delay in bye-elections

The House of Representatives, yesterday, resolved to summon the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Yakubu Mahmood, over the delay to conduct bye-elections into vacant national and state assembly seats.

Consequently, the House mandated its Committee on Electoral Matters to investigate the electoral body over its inability to conduct the pending bye-elections.

The parliament, which took the resolution, following a motion by Jafaru Leko, also mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report back to it within four weeks for further legislative action.

Leko, in his motion, informed the House that there were several vacant seats in both the national and state assemblies. He argued that failure of INEC to conduct by-elections to fill the seats have left the constituents in the affected areas without representations.

“Since the 2023 general and subsequent elections, there have been instances of resignations, deaths, appointments, or appointments of former members of both the National and State Assemblies to executive positions.

“Section 68 of the Constitution provides for the cessation and vacation of seats of the National Assembly, whereas section 76(2) stresses the need for a bye-election to be conducted not later than one month after the vacancy occurs;

“Upon the declaration of these seats as vacant, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is obligated, under the provisions of Section 76(2), to conduct bye-elections to fill the vacant positions and ensure proper representation of the affected constituencies.”

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The lawmaker added that “Nigeria practices a constitutional democracy that the continued vacancy of these seats, without the holding of timely Bye-elections results in the disenfranchisement of the affected, citizens, which constitutes a violation of the constitutional principles of representation and deprives the electorates of their right to adequate representation.

“The delay in conducting the bye-elections for the vacant seats is a contravention of constitutional provision, a breach of the due process and denial of the affected constituencies’ proper representation;

“This Electoral inaction from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) violates the principles of democracy and representative governance, leaving citizens unrepresented, and also obstructs legislative activities, as Committees and Plenary Sessions lack full participation from duly elected members.”

In another development, the House set up a special committee to conduct public hearings on the four tax reform bills, which scaled second reading last week.

The committee chaired by the chairman, House Committee on Finance, James Faleke, consisting of chairmen of the various caucuses and members of the finance committee, amongst others, is expected to hold a public hearing on the bills next week.

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The House had approved the four bills for second reading, last Wednesday, after a debate on the general principles of the proposed legislations, which lasted for over three hours.

The proposed legislations, which were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on October 3, 2024 include: The Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 -and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

The bills, which were earlier trailed by controversies and protests by Northern elders and state governors, are intended to reform tax administration in the country.

The key provisions of the tax reform bills are increase in Value Added Tax ( VAT) and the distribution of revenue to the states. Section 146 of the Nigeria Tax Bill provides for an increase in VAT from the current 7.5 percent to 10 percent in 2025, 12 . 5 percent in 2026- 2029 and 15 percent in 2030.

Also, Section 77 of the Tax administration bills states that revenue accruing from VAT shall be distributed on to the three tiers of government as follows: Federal Government- 10 percent; state government- 55 percent and local government 35 percent, “ provided that 60 percent of the amount standing to the credit of states and local governments shall be distributed among them on the basis of derivation.”

Reps summon INEC chairman over delay in bye-elections

Related Topics:bye-elections INEC chairman Reps

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EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

Published

14 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Abuja-based real estate agent, Hajia Adama Ahmed Adamu, in connection with an alleged ₦288 million property fraud, the agency confirmed on Wednesday.

According to the EFCC, operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Directorate apprehended Adamu following a petition from a complainant, Alhaji Tanko Yawale, who alleged that the agent collected the funds under the pretext of facilitating the purchase of a property at House 31, Haile Selassie Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

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“Following the payment, Hajia Adamu allegedly failed to provide valid property documents and became evasive, raising suspicion and prompting a formal petition to the EFCC,” the commission stated on its official X handle.

Property-related fraud continues to be a recurring concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, particularly in major cities like Abuja, where unsuspecting buyers often fall victim to agents posing as legitimate intermediaries. In response, the EFCC has intensified enforcement against land and housing scams, urging Nigerians to verify ownership and documentation before making payments.

The suspect is currently in EFCC custody as investigations continue. The commission also reiterated a warning to the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent property schemes and to report any suspected cases promptly.

EFCC Arrests Abuja House Agent Over ₦288 Million Property Fraud

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Alkali resigns as Transport minister to chase Gombe governor’s seat

Published

18 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Alkali resigns as Transport minister to chase Gombe governor’s seat

The race for Gombe State’s Government House has officially claimed its latest heavyweight contender. Saidu Ahmed Alkali has stepped down from his role as the Minister of Transportation to focus entirely on his 2027 governorship bid.

Alkali’s exit follows a high-profile meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

His departure was formalized via a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The move is not just about personal timing; it’s about legal compliance. Alkali is adhering to:

* Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026: Which mandates officials to vacate office before seeking elective posts.

* The INEC Timetable: With party primaries for the 2027 elections looming, the window for transition is closing.

* Presidential Directive: President Tinubu has been firm that any cabinet member eyeing an elective seat must resign before the primary process begins.

Alkali, a veteran politician and former Senator for Gombe North, is now the third member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to trade their ministerial portfolio for a campaign trail.

His resignation leaves a vacancy in the Ministry of Transportation at a critical time for the nation’s infrastructure projects, but signals a tightening of the political battlefield in Gombe.

The circular confirming the development was issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Kana.

The circular stated that the directive “followed the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the 2027 election.”

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US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings

Published

23 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

US Senator Ted Cruz

US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings

United States Senator Ted Cruz has alleged that some Nigerian officials are complicit in attacks on Christians, warning that the United States could impose sanctions on those found responsible.

Cruz made the claim while reacting to the recent Plateau killings, particularly the deadly attack in Jos North area of Plateau State.

In a post on X, the lawmaker stated that American authorities are aware of those allegedly enabling the violence. He accused certain officials of creating an environment where Christians are “routinely persecuted and slaughtered,” adding that the U.S. has the tools to hold such individuals accountable.

The remarks followed a Palm Sunday attack on Angwan Rukuba, where gunmen invaded the community around 8:30 p.m., killing at least 12 people. Police confirmed the victims included 10 men and two women, with additional bodies later recovered during search operations.

The timing of the attack, coinciding with a major Christian observance, has heightened concerns about religious violence in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

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Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the affected community, expressing sympathy to victims’ families and vowing justice.

“Your pain is my pain, and the pain of Plateau State. My administration will pursue justice relentlessly until the perpetrators are brought to book,” he said.

The state government also announced emergency measures, including free medical treatment for the injured and dignified burials for the deceased.

To prevent further breakdown of law and order, authorities imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North, which lasted from midnight March 29 to April 1, 2026. Security presence was also reinforced, with additional personnel deployed to stabilise the area.

Security agencies have since intensified operations to track down those responsible for the attack, while residents remain on edge.

Cruz’s comments have reignited international scrutiny over Nigeria’s security situation, especially recurring violence in the Middle Belt.

However, the Federal Government of Nigeria has consistently rejected claims of targeted religious persecution, maintaining that the violence is driven by criminality, insurgency, and communal conflicts rather than a coordinated campaign against Christians.

President Bola Tinubu has also dismissed allegations of religious genocide, stating that Nigeria’s challenges stem from terrorism and extremism, not faith-based targeting.

Similarly, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has engaged with U.S. officials in past diplomatic efforts to clarify the country’s security realities.

Despite these assurances, incidents like the Plateau attack continue to raise both local and global concerns, with growing calls for stronger action to curb violence and ensure accountability.

US Senator Ted Cruz Alleges Nigerian Officials Behind Christian Killings