A candidate in an upcoming Nigerian legislative by-election has called for constitutional reforms to allow political parties to retain seats following a lawmaker’s death, arguing the current system unfairly penalizes parties twice. Adesola Elegbeji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) nominee for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in Ogun State, made the appeal during a media forum organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday.
The vacancy arose after the death of former lawmaker Adewunmi Onanuga in January 2024, prompting a by-election scheduled for August 16, 2025, in the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North district. Elegbeji described the requirement for a fresh election as unjust, stating, “We lost our sister, and now we’re being made to fight for what is rightfully ours. Parties should be permitted to appoint replacements without contest.” She urged amendments to either Nigeria’s constitution or electoral laws to eliminate what she termed “double punishment” for parties that lose elected representatives mid-term.
The event, titled “An Evening with the Press,” was framed by NUJ Chairman Wale Olanrewaju as a non-partisan platform for candidates to outline their agendas, not a campaign rally. “This is for constituents to hear directly from aspirants,” he clarified, noting that candidates from other parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had also participated. Olanrewaju further expressed confidence the election would be conducted peacefully and transparently.
Elegbeji’s proposal highlights ongoing debates about Nigeria’s electoral framework, particularly provisions requiring by-elections when legislative seats become vacant. While supporters argue such elections uphold democratic representation, critics like Elegbeji contend they impose logistical and financial burdens on parties already coping with the loss of elected members. Analysts note similar discussions have emerged in other African nations, though constitutional overhauls remain complex and politically charged.
The Remo by-election, set to unfold in 2025, will test the APC’s ability to retain the seat previously held by Onanuga, a three-term representative. Stakeholders, including civil society groups, are expected to monitor the process closely, given Nigeria’s history of electoral disputes and violence. For now, Elegbeji’s call adds to broader conversations about balancing procedural fairness with pragmatic governance in evolving democracies.
