By Harry Awurumibe Editor, Abuja Bureau
In accordance with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and in line with the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Bye Elections and Court-Ordered Rerun Elections scheduled for February 3, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the Notice for the upcoming elections across the country.
According to a press statement issued by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, political parties have been told to take notice that the place of delivery of nomination papers for the elective offices shall be only at the Commission’s Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, via the online portal established for this purpose.
The statement explained that the exercise is in line with Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and following the death or resignation of members of the National and State Assemblies, the Presiding Officers of the various legislative houses (i.e. the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly) declared vacancies in nine constituencies across Nigeria.
The statement read in parts: “In the exercise of the powers conferred on the Independent National Electoral Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”) by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022 and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, the Commission hereby issues this Timetable and Schedule of Activities for bye-elections as follows:
