Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters (INEC), has clarified that no law prevents serving lawmakers or political office holders from contesting in by-elections in Nigeria.

The Lagos state federal lawmaker emphasised that ongoing electoral reforms do not disenfranchise serving legislators at either the state or federal level from exercising their constitutional rights to vote and run for office.

Speaking in Abuja during an interaction with journalists, Hon. Balogun stressed the importance of ensuring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains truly independent and adequately funded to effectively carry out its constitutional duties.

Representing the Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Balogun further stated that INEC should not use inadequate funding as an excuse to deny serving parliamentarians the right to participate in by-elections, highlighting the vital role experienced lawmakers play in the political space.

?If I were to advise, it is even better to use serving members who are experienced. For instance, if you are replacing a senator, you should consider a House of Representatives member who has experience in the field.

?It is unfortunate that by-elections arise due to events such as deaths or resignations. But when these opportunities come, they should not be restricted to certain individuals. Democracy is about allowing everyone to participate and letting the person with the highest votes win,? he said.

Hon. Balogun emphasized that politics is not just about cost-saving but also about representing the will of the people.

?Democracy is about numbers and the interests of the people. Let the wish of the people prevail in every federal constituency, senatorial district, and the country at large.

?An advice is not a law. No one should unlawfully disqualify a candidate simply because of the INEC Chairman?s suggestion. Any interested individual should continue with their ambition, and let the electorate in their constituencies make the final decision,? hr said.

He reiterated that it would be unlawful for any party or body to exclude a candidate on such grounds, describing such a move as unconstitutional.

Hon. Balogun stressed the significance of lawmakers? experience in governance, citing examples of individuals like Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and his deputy, as well as other leaders who were serving lawmakers before contesting higher positions.

He noted that many serving legislators who contested elections in states like Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, and Kogi, among others, have proven their competence in governance.

The lawmaker disclosed ongoing efforts to ensure INEC receives adequate funding and financial autonomy.

He urged political parties and the electorate to consider fielding serving lawmakers for higher electoral positions, particularly in by-elections, to leverage their legislative experience.

?Their experience in lawmaking is invaluable and has been evident in the success of past officeholders,? he concluded. (The Nation)

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