APC candidate calls for constitutional change on legislative seat succession

Mrs. Adesola Elegbeji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the upcoming Remo Federal Constituency by-election in Ogun State, has called for a constitutional review to allow political parties retain legislative seats lost to the death of elected lawmakers without requiring fresh elections.

Speaking on Friday during a media forum organised by the Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Elegbeji described the current system as a “double punishment” for political parties already burdened by the loss of a serving member.

Elegbeji is contesting the August 16 by-election to replace the late Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, the former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, who died in January.

She argued that parties should be able to present a replacement candidate without going through another election, suggesting this be addressed in future amendments to the Constitution or Electoral Act.

The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, clarified that the forum was not a campaign event but a platform for candidates to share their visions with voters.