By Jubril Bada

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Political stakeholders in Ondo State have criticized the call by the House of Representatives for the review of constituency delineation as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended.
They explained that the call for the creation of constituencies would cost the country alot as well as increase in the cost of running election.
In separate interviews with The Hope, the State Chairman, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Mr. Rotimi Boboye and former State Chairman, Inter- Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Chief Alamurin Ogunbodede, criticized the move by the lower house, saying that such should not be considered now that the country is facing economic crisis.
It would be recalled that the House of Representatives blamed the INEC for failing to review division of states of the federation as prescribed by the constitution to guarantee effective , quality and adequate representation in the House
On his own, the State Chairman of CNPP, Mr. Boboye, expressed belief that the present number of constituencies in the country is adequate for equal representation of people in Nigeria.
For increase in constituency, he said would require more fund for political activities at the local government, state and national assemblies.
According to him ” Nigeria is groaning under economy crisis due to the effect of COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity and the rest. What should be discussed is how the economy of the country will be improved not how to make it worst. It will increase cost. I don’t really support it”
Also, the erstwhile State Chairman, IPAC, Ogunbodede, said that with the situation of the country’s economy not being buoyant, pointing out that it was not necessary for INEC to create more constituencies for now.
Considering insecurity as a major challenge to be given attention, Ogunbodede advised the commission to hold on and maintain existing constituencies in hand so as to reduce cost pending the economy of the country would be improved.
“When the need arise for the creation of more constituencies INEC should meet with other electoral stakeholders on how to go about the creation of more constituencies and not listen to the voice of the House of Representatives alone.
“If House of Representatives want to amend electoral act,it should do, not to call on INEC overnight to create more constituencies.
“If more constituencies are to be created Nigeria will spend more money than what is spending now. money go to National Assembly will be increased,” he said.