The change is part of proposed amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act. It aims to move the elections forward by six months to ensure all election-related court cases are resolved before the May 29 handover date. The amendment mandates that presidential and governorship elections must occur no later than 185 days before the end of the incumbent’s term. A similar rule is proposed for legislative elections.

Lawmakers say this would eliminate the current situation where elected officials assume office while legal challenges to their victory remain unresolved. The House Committee on Electoral Matters, led by Adebayo Balogun, supports the move, stating it would give ample time for courts to resolve all election petitions.

To further expedite the legal process, the committee proposed reducing the time allocated for tribunal judgments from 180 to 90 days, with appeals and Supreme Court rulings expected to wrap up within the 185-day window.

Other key proposals include early voting for security personnel, election officials, observers, journalists, and ad hoc staff, to be held no later than 14 days before the main election. The amendment also introduces mandatory electronic and manual transmission of results and removes the requirement for permanent voter cards.

INEC has backed the changes, describing them as steps toward greater electoral transparency and efficiency. However, opposition parties remain divided.

The PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused the National Assembly of attempting to extend President Bola Tinubu’s tenure under the guise of reform, arguing that real reform should focus on legalizing technologies like BVAS and ensuring real-time result transmission.

The NNPP’s spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, warned that shifting the election date could unfairly favor the ruling party, giving them more time to prepare while catching opposition parties off guard.

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In contrast, the Labour Party welcomed the idea, noting it would reduce costs and tension and allow for better resolution of legal challenges before officials are sworn in. The party also supported the idea of holding all elections on the same day to reduce the bandwagon effect.

The African Democratic Congress said it would respond officially after reviewing the full draft of the amendment.

Meanwhile, Obidient Movement leader Yunusa Tanko urged the National Assembly to engage in broader public consultation before making such changes, warning against decisions driven by political self-interest.

Source: Punch