A legal practitioner and policy advisor,l Okey Agbo, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to urgently conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant Enugu North Senatorial seat, following the death of Senator Okechukwu Ezea.
Addressing a world press conference, Agbo described the delay in fixing a date for the election as a breach of constitutional responsibility,, warning that continued inaction undermines democratic representation for the people of the district, popularly known as Nsukka Zone.
He noted that the senatorial seat became vacant after the demise of Senator Ezea in November 2025, stressing that the absence of representation in the National Assembly has deprived constituents of their constitutional voice in national governance.
Agbo anchored his argument on Section 76 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates INEC to conduct elections to fill legislative vacancies.
According to him, the constitutional provision leaves no room for avoidable delays once a vacancy is established.
“The duty to restore representation becomes immediate once a vacancy occurs, whether by death, resignation, or any other constitutionally recognised circumstance,” he said.
The lawyer argued that representation in the Senate is not a privilege but a fundamental right of the people, adding that any delay, whether administrative or procedural amounts to a denial of democratic participation.
He further cited the Supreme Court judgment in Hon. Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde v. Ondo State House of Assembly, noting that constitutional vacancies take effect automatically once the enabling conditions occur, and should be addressed within a reasonable time.
Beyond the legal argument, Agbo used the platform to urge residents of Enugu North Senatorial District to remain politically conscious and resist complacency in the face of what he described as subtle forms of systemic injustice.
“Oppression does not always come with chains; sometimes it comes with comfort,” he stated, warning that silence and hesitation could embolden institutional inertia.
Agbo disclosed that he has instituted legal action against INEC to compel the commission to act, describing the move as part of his broader commitment to political accountability and socio-economic emancipation.
He called on civil society organisations, political stakeholders, youth groups, and traditional institutions within the district to support the demand for the immediate conduct of the bye-election through lawful and peaceful means.
“The people deserve representation. The Constitution demands action. Democracy requires no less,” he concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has yet to announce a timetable for the Enugu North Senatorial bye-election.
