Paul Orube, Bauchi

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that no date has been fixed for bye-election in Bauchi South Senatorial district because the Senate is yet to communicate to the Commission that the seat is vacant.

Senator representing Bauchi South, Mallam Ali Wakili, had slumped and died March 17, 2018, at his Abuja residence.

No fewer than 22 aspirants are currently jostling to replace him.

Following interest generated about the bye-election,  the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in  Bauchi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed that INEC has no say in the matter until the senate writes to inform it of a vacancy.

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The REC was speaking in Bauchi on Friday during a press briefing in his office.

Abdullahi explained that according to section 76, sub section 2 of the 1979 Constitution of the Federal Republic, it is until the National or State assembly communicates to the Commission that of a vacancy in the state or federal preparation for bye-election can commence.

He said once a seat is declared vacant by the Senate President or the Speaker or  House of Rep of the State as the case might be, INEC is then obligated to conduct a bye-election within 30 days after transmission of a letter to that effect.

“There are a lot misconception as to why the delay but I am not aware in the case if Senate (Bauchi South) that any such communication has been done by the Senate. Hope fully after Sallah any time the seat is declared we will conduct the bye-election within 30 days,” he said.