By Ayodele Oni
With the signing of the new Electoral Bill into law on Friday by President Mohamadu Buhari, the coast is clear for the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to commence preparations for the 2023 general elections.
The Chairman of the Commission, Prof Mahmud Yakubu, had earlier cried out that disagreement over the new law between the presidency and the National Assembly was hindering preparations for the election.
Area of disagreement in the bill was the aspect which mandated political parties to adopt indirect primary in picking candidates for elections, which the Presidency considered to be too expensive and rigorous.
Reacting to the signing on Friday, in Abuja, INEC’s spokesman, Festus Okoye said: “Today Friday 25th February 2022, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed the Electoral Bill 2022 into law.
“It contains many progressive provisions that will facilitate the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
“The Nation now has the Electoral Act 2022, which replaces the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
“Together with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the new Act constitutes the principal law to govern the conduct of future elections, including the 2023 General Election.
“Given the tight timelines contained in the law, the Commission fully appreciates the importance of proceedings with their implementation in earnest.
“Consequently, an extraordinary meeting of the Commission is scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 26th February. Thereafter, a statement will be issued on the way forward.”
INEC had earlier released a calenderized programme for the election, which will usher in new President, some Governors, national and states assembly members.
According to the outline, the programme had kicked off in January with Consultation, which will end by February to be followed by release of guidelines for aspirants, candidates, parties in respect of congress, primary election and campaigns in March.
Campaign for Presidential and Gubernatorial elections is expected to kick-start in March, while political parties are expected to conduct their Congresses in May.
By June, parties are to hold Primary Elections to pick candidates for President, Governors, national and state assembly members to be followed in July, by petitions arising from Primary elections.
In August, Court of Appeal will hear appeals arising from Primary elections with Supreme Court verdict on all Primary elections in September from Candidates and winners for Presidential and Gubernatorial flag bearer of Parties contesting.
The months of October and November are expected to witness aggressive campaign by candidates/Parties across the federation.
A stakeholders’ parley, to be organized by INEC will hold in December during which a peace accord will be
signed by all presidential and Gubernatorial candidates.
The first election on INEC calendar, which is Presidential and National Assembly will hold in February 2023, to be followed by Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.
Inauguration of a new President and State Governors will hold in May 29.
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