Victor EzejaWith the Nigeria’s electoral law fully in place, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a comprehensive schedule of activities for the 2023 general elections as required by the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act 2022.
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Below are the Timelines for activities leading to the 2023 elections:
i. Publication of Notice of Election – Monday 28th February 2022.
ii. Conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them – Monday 4th April 2022 to Friday 3rd June 2022.
iii. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online portal for Presidential and National Assembly election – 9.00am on Friday 10th June 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 17th June 2022.
iv. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online nomination portal for Governorship and State Assembly elections – 9.00am on Friday 1st July 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 15th July 2022.
v. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly election – Wednesday 28th September 2022.
vi. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections – Wednesday 12th October 2022.
vii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly elections – midnight on Thursday 23rd February 2023.
viii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections – midnight on Thursday 9th March 2023.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated that with the Electoral Act 2022 coming into force, the Commission will consequently publish new Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections in line with the Act.
He said, “These Regulations and Guidelines as well as Manuals issued by the Commission are all part of the legal regulatory framework for elections. Their timely publication will enable all stakeholders in the electoral process to become conversant with their provisions as they prepare for the 2023 General Election.
Prof. Yakubu reminded all stakeholders especially the political parties, of their responsibility to adhere strictly to the timelines in thw Timetable and Schedule of Activities, as well as all other timelines established by the commission.
“It is necessary that all political parties comply with the extant legal framework, ensure proper organisation and management of party primaries and the nomination of qualified candidates in order to prevent unnecessary litigations and rancour.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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