Senate Rejects Proposal for Parties to Replace Deceased Legislators

• Senate rejects Electoral Act amendment proposed by Senator Karimi, which sought to allow parties to replace legislators without fresh elections
• Majority of senators express concerns about the amendment, arguing that it might lead to rejection by constituents

In a recent plenary session, the Senate firmly rejected a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2022. The amendment, put forward by Senator Sunday Karimi of the APC representing Kogi, aimed to grant political parties the authority to replace a duly elected state or federal legislator in the event of their demise or resignation without the necessity of a fresh election.

Despite Senator Karimi’s earnest plea during the second reading, most senators voiced their opposition to the proposed change. The suggested amendment entailed the addition of a new section, 43B, to Section 34 of the Electoral Act.

Karimi argued that the votes cast in an election rightfully belonged to the political parties. Therefore, they should have the prerogative to nominate a replacement in the event of a vacancy in any legislative house. However, numerous senators countered this perspective, expressing concerns that allowing a party to appoint a replacement without a new election might lead to rejection by constituents.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed these sentiments in his remarks, pointing out the potential pitfalls of such a change. He questioned the viability of accepting a replacement chosen by a party, especially considering the multitude of political parties in an election.

Akpabio emphasized, “The votes were for the person who died. It is the final election that sends someone to the parliament, not the primary.”

In light of these arguments, Akpabio suggested that Senator Karimi withdraw the bill. Despite the Senate President’s recommendation, Senator Karimi maintained his stance, asserting his confidence that the bill would pass through the legislative process successfully.

In response to the persistence of Senator Karimi, the Senate President called for a voice vote on the proposed amendment. The resounding “nay” from the senators sealed the fate of the bill, marking its rejection by the Senate.