INEC set to conduct Ngor Okpala bye-election, Feb 26
*As Speaker declares seat vacant over poor attendance
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed Saturday, February 26, 2022, as the date for the Ngor Okpala State Constituency election.
The Commission also fixed the same day for a similar election in five states of the federation.
Festus Okoye, INEC Commissioner in a statement said the decision to hold the elections was adopted at the recent INEC regular weekly meeting.
According to him, other areas the bye-election will take place are Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency and Akpabuyo State Constituency in Cross River State.
Others are Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, and Pankshin South State Constituency, all in Plateau State.
Okoye reemphasized that the decision to hold the elections followed the declaration of vacancies by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speakers of some State Houses of Assembly.
He also said some of the vacancies arose as a result of the death of the previous occupants, substantial disruption of the electoral process, and fulfillment of constitutional and legal requirements in the electoral process.
The INEC Commissioner pointed out that political parties shall conduct their primaries, including resolution of disputes arising from the primaries, between January 26 and February 5.
Recall that the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Kennedy Ibe, had on December 23, 2021, declared the seat of member representing Ngor Okpala State Constituency, Hon. Tochi Okere, vacant, citing poor attendance to House sittings.
