Seventy-four candidates are to participate in nine by-elections to be conducted by the INEC on February 3

Seventy-four candidates are to participate in nine by-elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission on February 3.

The by-elections became necessary after the death of some members of the national and state Houses of Assembly.

By-elections would be held in two senatorial districts in Ebonyi South and Yobe East.

The elections would also be held in four federal constituencies – Shanga/Ngaski/Yauri in Kebbi; Surulere I in Lagos State; Akoko North East/Akoko North West in Ondo State, and Jalingo/Yorro/Zing in Taraba.

Candidates would also contest elections into vacant state assembly seats in Guma I in Benue, Chibok in Borno, and Chikun in Kaduna State.

Eight of the 74 candidates contesting for the nine vacant positions are female.

Three of the 10 candidates contesting for the only vacant seat in Chikun, Kaduna State, are female.