Anxiety In INEC Over Electoral Acts

Anxiety In INEC Over Electoral Acts

Uncertainty is building within the Independent National Electoral Commission as it weighs when to release the official notice that will signal the start of preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The concern stems from an amendment bill still before the National Assembly that could change the election timetable.

The issue centres on the Electoral Act 2022, which requires INEC to publish a notice of election at least 360 days before polling day. Based on the 2023 election date, that window is fast closing, leaving the commission with little time to act if the current law remains unchanged.

Complicating matters is the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025, which suggests moving presidential and governorship elections to November 2026. The proposal, unveiled during a public hearing last year, is designed to shorten the time spent on election petitions and conclude all court processes before winners assume office.

INEC officials are reportedly cautious about acting too early, as the bill also seeks to make electronic transmission of results compulsory and introduces penalties for violations. However, the amendment process is not yet complete, with only the House of Representatives having passed the bill so far.

She explained that if the amendment is passed and signed into law within the 360-day window, INEC will adjust accordingly, but if not, preparations for the 2027 elections will proceed under the existing Electoral Act.