The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday announced the relevant dates for events and activities leading to the 2023 elections, including the dates for the publication of the final list of candidates at all levels.
BASIC FACTS
- INEC will publish final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates on September 20th.
- INEC will publish final list of Governorship and state Assembly candidates on October 4th.
- Campaign for presidential election will begin on September 28th.
WHAT WE KNOW
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday said it will publish the final lists of presidential and national assembly candidates on September 20.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said the final list for governorship and state assembly candidates is expected to be published on October 4.
Prof Yakubu, while appealing to political parties and their candidates to focus on issue-based campaign, added that the Commission has set September 28 for the commencement of campaigns.
The INEC Chairman said the electoral body is collaborating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful election.
COMMENTARY
Recall that the all political parties completed their primary election to choose their candidates for the February presidential election last June. The parties have since submitted and completed substitution of candidates and their running mate last July.
Clariform also notes that the 2023 General elections will be conducted with the new Electoral Act signed earlier this year as the legal framework guiding it. The electoral law stipulates that campaign begins not earlier than six months to the election.
Going by the provisions of the new Act, there are indications that 2023 elections may be the best in the history of the nation`s attempts in democratic experience and elections.
Following the behavior of some of the candidates so far, and some commitments the parties are making, there are signs that Nigerians will see improvement in terms of campaign, especially campaigning on issues to rescue the nation from her current state of near collapse.
