‘History Made’ – INEC Speaks On Buhari’s Signing Of Amended Bill

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari as historic.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the submission in a statement shortly after the bill was signed into law.

Naija News had earlier reported that President Buhari assented to the bill on Friday after several calls and protests by civil society organizations.

The signing ceremony of the electoral bill took place inside the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja at about 12:30 pm.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and several others were present at the signing of the bill.

Reacting to the development, Okoye said the new electoral act contains many progressive provisions that will facilitate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country.

The INEC spokesman stated that the election body would proceed with the implementation of the electoral bill 2022 in earnest ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He added that INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu will meet with National Commissioners on Saturday over the implementation of the electoral bill.

The statement reads: “The signing of the Electoral Bill into law is historic. It contains many progressive provisions that will facilitate the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

“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 Election.

“Consequently, an extraordinary meeting of the Commission is scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 26th February 2022. Thereafter, a statement will be issued on the way forward.”