Benin, Edo - The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding the immediate conduct of bye-elections into the two vacant legislative seats in the state.

In a statement released in Benin City, Tenebe expressed displeasure over what he described as an unjustifiable delay in filling the vacant seats, warning that the people of the affected constituencies have been left without representation for over three months—an action he said contravenes democratic principles and electoral guidelines.

The vacancies arose following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo from the Edo Central Senatorial seat to contest the governorship election in the state, and Honourable Dennis Idahosa, who vacated his position as the representative of Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency.

Tenebe urged INEC to act swiftly, stating that if the Commission is financially constrained to conduct the elections, it should delegate the responsibility to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to ensure that the people are not left without a voice in legislative matters.

He stressed that continued delay not only disenfranchises constituents but also undermines the integrity of the democratic process.