INEC calls for speedy passage of Electoral Amendment Bill

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) calls for a speedy passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, saying it will release the timetable for 2023 elections once President Muhammad Buhari signs the bill into law.

INEC chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who disclosed this in Abuja during the first quarterly meeting with political parties for 2022, said the commission was looking forward to the bill’s speedy passage as it is crucial to the preparations for the elections.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari, last month, withheld assent to the electoral bill, citing the inclusion of a provision for the mandatory direct primary election for political parties.

He later granted an interview to a television station, assuring that he would sign the bill if that item were removed from the legislation to grant political parties the right to decide the mode of choosing their candidates for elections.

INEC boss stressed that the commission was encouraged by the Senate president’s assurance to give priority attention to the bill when the National Assembly reconvenes from recess, 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.

He noted that 2022 would undoubtedly be a hectic year for the commission and the political parties.

Channelstv/Suzan O.