Electoral Act Ammendment: INEC Will Implement Sequence If Signed By Buhari

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed its willingness to implement the amended Electoral Act if signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Electoral body’s position was made known today, Thursday, by INEC National Commissioner, Voter Education and Publicity, Mr Solomon Soyebi.

Naija News recalls that the Senate had on Wednesday adopted the conference committee report on the Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, which changes the process in which elections are conducted in the nation.

Previously, the Presidential and National Assembly elections were always held (on the same day), after which the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections follow.

However, the legislators amended the sequence as follows: first the National Assembly polls, followed by the state lawmakers, and then the governorship elections, with the presidential election being conducted last.

Hence speaking on how feasible it is for INEC to implement the amendment if accented by Buhari, Soyebi said: “Unfortunately, yes, if the amendment becomes a law now.

“If it’s assented to by the President, it becomes a law. We have no basis to disobey the law; we have to work within the law as it is.”

He also debunked the rumour that INEC plans to file a legal suit to challenge the adoption by the Senate, saying “there is no iota of truth in that.”

He added that “Everybody has a role to play in the governance of Nigeria, ours is just to conduct elections and we have nothing to do with the making of the law. So, if the law is made today, we are just there to obey it.”

However, the INEC National Commissioner stated that in some cases, INEC can challenge any frivolous court order if it feels unsatisfied with it, but not the law.

He further recommended that all elections should be conducted the same day, as it is in some developed countries, stressing that it can also be achieved in Nigeria.