Reps move to allow parties replace lawmakers without by-elections

The house of representatives has begun the process of amending the Electoral Act 2022 to allow political parties to choose successors for their deceased or resigned lawmakers.

The bill, sponsored by Akin Alabi, an APC member from Oyo state, seeks to replace the current practice of conducting by-elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) whenever a seat becomes vacant in the national or state assembly.

Alabi said the bill was inspired by the US system of replacing lawmakers.

According to the bill, a political party may nominate a new candidate through a primary election or any other lawful method.