Pursuant to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has officially declared vacant the seat for the Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The formal declaration follows the painful passing of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Yaya Bauchi Tongo (ADC, Gombe), who died on June 12, 2026, at an Abuja hospital following a brief illness.
In line with constitutional provisions, the declaration of vacancy officially notifies the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the opening in the House of Representatives. This clears the legal path for the electoral body to conduct a bye-election to fill the vacant seat within the timeframe stipulated by the Constitution and Electoral Act.
Announcing the seat vacancy, the leadership of the House noted that the constituency requires continuous, robust representation in the National Assembly to ensure the interests of the people of Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye Local Government Areas remain well-articulated in legislative deliberations and national policy formulations.
Before his passing, Rep. Tongo was a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and served as the Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
A seasoned grassroots politician, his public service career spanned various key roles, including:
- Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area.
- Special Adviser to the Gombe State Government and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly.
- Member representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency.
The Speaker, on behalf of the House leadership and members, once again commiserated with the government and people of Gombe State, the constituents of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the immediate family of the late lawmaker, praying for fortitude in bearing the loss.
