On August 16, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will once again organise bye-elections across the country to fill vacant seats in the Senate, House of Representatives, and various State Houses of Assembly. While elections are a cornerstone of democracy, the frequency and pattern of bye-elections in Nigeria raise a troubling question: Why are they happening so often?

A closer examination reveals a disturbing trend. Most of these legislative vacancies are not caused by death, health crises, or resignation for the public good. Instead, they result from elected officials abandoning their posts mid-tenure to contest for what they perceive as “higher” offices. Once successful, they vacate their current seats, triggering yet another costly round of bye-elections, each draining national resources that are already scarce.

This recurring cycle imposes an unsustainable burden on Nigeria’s public finances, administrative systems, and electoral institutions. It is also morally questionable. While schools lack funding, hospitals are short of basic equipment, and citizens grapple with rising living costs, national funds are redirected to finance elections triggered by the unchecked ambitions of a few.

The Root of the Problem

The issue is both structural and behavioural. Structurally, Nigerian law does not mandate that elected officials resign before seeking another position. This legal gap allows politicians to hedge their bets: if they win a new office, they move on; if they lose, they simply resume their current role, leaving the cost of their ambition for the nation to bear.

Behaviourally, it reflects a culture of political opportunism where public office is seen not as a call to serve but as a stepping stone to further personal advancement. Instead of focusing on fulfilling campaign promises, many politicians appear more interested in planning their next move.

The Cost to the Nation

Each bye-election costs billions of naira—funds that could be used to fix roads, build hospitals, support security agencies, or improve public education. INEC has repeatedly warned about the cost implications of the increasing frequency of bye-elections. Still, the cycle persists.

Even more damaging is the erosion of democratic credibility. Repeated vacancies weaken institutional memory in legislatures, undermine governance continuity, and deprive citizens of consistent, stable representation.

What Must Be Done?

1. Enact Legislative Reform
The National Assembly must pass a law requiring elected officials to resign their current position before contesting for another. This practice is standard in many democracies and would help prevent political manipulation and the abuse of public office. Although such legislation won’t take effect before the upcoming elections, beginning the process now is essential.

2. Promote Citizens’ Advocacy
Nigerians must demand an end to this exploitative practice. Civil society organisations, media, youth groups, and professional bodies must lead the charge, insisting that public office is not a private asset but a public trust.

3. Hold Political Parties and Delegates Accountable
With the August 16 bye-elections approaching, political parties and their delegates have an immediate role to play. Parties should disqualify any sitting lawmakers seeking to abandon their current mandates for another office. Delegates must reject aspirants who treat public service as a revolving door.

This issue is not partisan—it is a national concern. If the political elite will not self-regulate, then delegates and voters must assume that responsibility.

Conclusion

As the nation heads into another round of bye-elections, Nigerians must ask themselves: How long will we continue to fund the ambitions of a few at the expense of many? A public office is not a personal vehicle for political mobility; it is a platform for national service.

It is time to end this cycle. Political parties must act with integrity. Citizens must raise their voices. The National Assembly must legislate for accountability. Only then can we preserve the dignity of public office and strengthen our democracy for the future.