The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) hasd urged Senators-elect to commence and conclude work on the review of the electoral legal framework early, ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made the call on Thursday at a ceremony for the Issuance of Certificate of Return to Senators-elect at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Professor Mahmood Yakubu said the late conclusion of the review of the electoral law would affect the Commission’s implementation of the framework.
He said as a matter of urgency, the Commission would begin work on post 2019 elections review and road map to 2023.
According to him, as a process governed by law, the success of election in Nigeria depends to a large extent on the electoral legal framework and most importantly, in ensuring adherence to the law.
The lNEC Chairman assured to continue to work with the National Assembly to review and strengthen the Electoral Law.
Professor Yakubu said The tendency to delay electoral reform, particularly the review of the electoral framework, until it is too close to the elections, leaves the commission with little time to develop processes including regulations and guidelines, make required consultation with stakeholders, embark on effective voter education including sensitisation, train staff and organise deployment for the elections.
The lnec Chairman said the commission looked forward to working very closely with the senators-elect in deepening the country’s electoral process.
He congratulated the lawmakers for their election victory to serve the nation.
Among those issued the certificate of return are: Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, Enugu West (PDP); Mohammed Sabo, Jigawa South West (APC); Philip Aduda, FCT(PDP) and Sen. Dino Malaiye Kogi West (PDP).
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Others are: Baba Kaita, Kastina North (APC); Omo-Agege Ovie Delta Central(APC); Ibrahim Gandam, Yobe North (APC); Abdul’Aziz Yari Zamfara North (APC); Kaura Yahaya, Zamfara West(APC) and Ifeanyi Uba, Anambra South (YPP).
