INEC Speaks On Newly Signed Electoral Amendment Bill

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the 2022 Electoral Amendment Bill signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday will help ensure a free, fair and credible future elections.

The commission, in a statement by its spokesperson, Festus Okoye, said its position would be officially made known after the INEC extraordinary meeting scheduled for Saturday.

“Given the tight timelines contained in the new law, the commission fully appreciates the importance of proceeding with their implementation in earnest.

“Consequently, an extraordinary meeting of the commission is scheduled for tomorrow (February 26). Thereafter, a statement will be issued on the way forward,” Mr Okoye said.

He described the signing of the bill as historic, being the fourth time since the restoration of democracy in 1999 that it would be repealed and re-enacted.

He added that the act contained many progressive provisions that would facilitate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

“The nation now has the Electoral Act 2022 which replaces the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

“Together with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the new act constitutes the principal law to govern the conduct of future elections, including the 2023 General Elections.”

(NAN)