By Yusuf Boluwatife
The continued delay in the assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill will result in a setback in the release of the 2023 election timetable, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed.
The Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the disclosure at the first quarterly meeting with political parties for 2022.
Yakubu said the electoral body is anticipating a speedy passage of the bill as it is crucial to the body’s preparation for future elections.
“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,” the INEC boss said.
Recall that some days ago, the electoral umpire decried the delay in the assent of the bill, stating that it may affect the adoption of the new amendments for the 2023 general election as it was important to have the law that would guide the elections in place at least 12 to 18 months before the exercise.
Meanwhile, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu had announced February 23, 2023 as the date for the presidential election, which is about 12 months from now.
