The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the statutory authority to adjust the election timetable, and doing so now could be the best way out of the current political quagmire. Raymond Oise, writing from Lagos, argues that with crucial court cases still affecting major opposition parties, INEC should extend the timetable by at least one month. This would allow parties to resolve pending suits before the expiration of the current administration's tenure on May 29, 2027, as elections can still be held up to 30 days before that date.
Legal Basis for Timetable Adjustment
Oise points out that when INEC adjusts the timetable for primaries, it acts under its administrative powers granted by sections 28, 29, and 84 of the Electoral Act. Section 28 gives INEC authority to issue the election timetable schedule, while Section 29 governs submission deadlines for candidates. Section 84 regulates party primaries and INEC oversight. Together, these provisions support INEC's power to revise or reschedule dates for primaries and candidate submissions, provided statutory timelines are observed.
Call for Fair Play and Judicial Cooperation
The author emphasizes that the law is made for man, not the other way around. If adjusting the timetable serves equity and fair play, INEC should have no problem doing so, as long as the extension remains within statutory limits. Oise dismisses fears of party switching or alarm, suggesting that if INEC is unwilling to cooperate, parties can approach the courts to compel action. Meanwhile, he urges all courts handling crucial political matters to expedite their proceedings and bring them to final conclusions.
• Raymond Oise wrote from Lagos
