Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue election notices at least 360 days before any election, in line with constitutional and legal requirements.
Nwankwo made this statement on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, emphasizing the importance of certainty in the electoral process.
The civil rights advocate also warned that the National Assembly can no longer afford to delay the passage of the Electoral Bill, noting that time is running out and electoral reforms must now be prioritized.
He explained that adequate election preparation largely depends on the stability and clarity of the legal framework governing the process. “We need time to prepare for elections. Certainty in electoral laws—spanning international instruments like ECOWAS protocols, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act—is essential,” Nwankwo said.
360-Day Notice Still Valid in the Electoral Act
The PLAC executive director clarified that the 360-day notice requirement is firmly entrenched in the 2022 Electoral Act, dismissing suggestions that it may have been removed or altered.
“When you look at the Constitution and the Electoral Act, it clearly states that election notices must be given 360 days in advance. This provision remains intact in the current 2022 Electoral Act,” he said.
However, Nwankwo stressed that beyond the legal requirement, INEC must also issue formal announcements and pronouncements to activate the election process.
He praised the National Assembly for its ongoing work on electoral reforms, describing the legislative process as encouraging. “The Senate and House of Representatives are actively deliberating, reviewing, and finalizing documents. Their work so far has been commendable,” he said.
Nwankwo urged lawmakers to expedite the process to prevent last-minute changes that could undermine public confidence and the integrity of future elections. He emphasized that certainty in electoral laws is a cornerstone of credible elections and democratic stability in Nigeria.