Election Timetable: INEC Awaits Electoral Act

By Uche Mbah

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has disclosed that it will release the election timetable after President Muhammadu  Buhari has signed the disputed electoral Act.

Buhari refused assent, last December, because of the controversial direct primary provision in the Act. It has since been returned to the National Assembly for further amendments.

Speaking on the issue, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting for the year with political parties Tuesday, said he is encouraged by the Senate president’s assurance to tackle the issue upon resumption.

“On the Electoral Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly, the Commission is encouraged by the Senate President’s assurance to give priority attention to the Bill when the National Assembly reconvenes from its recess today, and the commitment by the President to assent to the Bill as soon as the issue of mode of primaries by political parties is resolved. We look forward to a speedy passage of the Bill, which is crucial to our preparations for future elections.

“As soon as it is signed into law, the Commission will quickly release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election based on the new law”.