National Assembly

 The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms for the upcoming August 16 National Assembly by-elections, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill vacant seats across the country.

By-elections are elections held to fill political offices that have become vacant between general elections. These vacancies may arise due to death, resignation, disqualification, or elevation of elected lawmakers to other positions, such as governorship or ministerial appointments. The August by-elections will fill two senatorial seats, five House of Representatives seats, and nine State House of Assembly positions across 12 states.

The APC pegged the cost of its nomination and expression of interest forms at N20 million for Senate aspirants, N10 million for the House of Representatives, and N2 million for State House of Assembly positions. The party’s primary elections to select candidates for these seats are scheduled to be held on July 16, 2025.

Speaking with reporters after obtaining his nomination and interest forms, Oscar Aghedo, a former local government chairman and APC aspirant for the Ovia Federal Constituency in Edo State, said he is seeking to succeed Dennis Idahosa, the current Deputy Governor of Edo State, who vacated the seat following his election.

“My intention to represent my people in the Green Chamber is simple: to make good laws for our country and to ensure proper representation for my people, especially in the area of infrastructural development,” Aghedo said.

He noted that while his predecessor performed well in the area of infrastructure, his own focus would be on youth and citizens’ empowerment.

“Our predecessor, who is now the deputy governor of Edo State, has done remarkably well in infrastructure. I will not just add to that, but my key interest is in human capacity development. I assure you that I will make my people proud,” he added.

Aghedo also appealed to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to conduct a credible and transparent primary election.

“Our party is known for credible and transparent primaries. I am confident that come July 19, we will have a free and fair primary election in our constituency,” he said.

In Kaduna State, Yakubu Waziri, another aspirant contesting for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency seat, commended the efforts of Governor Uba Sani and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in restoring peace to the Southern Kaduna region.

“For a long time, Chikun and Kajuru were constantly in the news for negative reasons. But today, thanks to the intervention of the President and the ‘People’s Governor,’ the situation has improved,” Waziri stated.

He expressed optimism about his chances in the election and pledged to build on the current peace and development strides in the region.

“If elected as a member of the House of Representatives for Chikun/Kajuru Constituency, what we have done so far is just the beginning. Our people will have no regrets electing us. By the grace of God, we’ll deliver,” he added.

The upcoming by-elections are part of ongoing efforts by INEC and political parties to maintain full representation across legislative chambers and ensure that constituencies do not remain unrepresented following unexpected vacancies.