INEC fixes February 18 for 2023 presidential election

The scheduling of the next presidential election comes even as the Senate is yet to pass electoral reform law.

Chukwuemeka Ayomide • April 28, 2021

INEC chariman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu [Photo Credit: Twitter]

INEC has fixed Saturday, February 18, 2023, for the conduct of the next presidential election in the country.

INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu made this known at a one-day public hearing on the National Electoral Offences Commission (Establishment) bill 2021 on Wednesday.

Mr Yakubu, according to Punch Newspaper, said the timetable and schedule of activities for the presidential election will be reeled out after the conduct of Anambra governorship election in November 2020.

“By the principle established by the Commission, the 2023 General Election will hold on Saturday 18th February 2023 which is exactly one year, nine months, two weeks and six days or 660 days from today,” Mr Yakubu said

“We hope to release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election immediately after the Anambra Governorship election scheduled to hold on 6th November 2021,” he added.

The scheduling of the next presidential election comes even as the Senate is yet to pass the proposed electoral law that would engender deep reforms and cut out electoral fraud.

Peoples Gazette had in December reported that Senate President Ahmed Lawan said an amendment to the nation’s electoral law would be ready by the first quarter of 2021. Having failed to meet the set deadline, Mr Lawan in April said the parliament would work to pass the law in June.

He said the amended electoral act will address the flaws of the 2019 general elections and other elections and also create solutions for future elections.

The bill seeks to resolve issues concerning INEC’s introduction of modern technologies into the electoral process, such as electronic voter accreditation and the use of card readers and other devices at party primaries and general elections.

The bill was reintroduced after three attempts had been made to amend it. Those attempts failed because President Muhammadu Buhari declined assent, citing numerous grounds of disagreement.

Civil society groups have continued to agitate for the speedy passage of the law to guarantee a fair and credible electoral process.

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