INEC unveils political activities ahead 2023 General Elections

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its calendar of political events leading up to the 2023 General elections in the country.

According to INEC, the information released on its website will commence with consultations between January and February, this year culminating in the release of guidelines for parry congress elections in March.

Campaign activities for the Presidential and governorship elections is expected to kick-off this April, with parry congresses and primaries expected to be held by June. Subsequent petitions challenging the governorships should be concluded between June and August, with Supreme Court final rulings to be heard by September 2022.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold in February 2023, while governorship and state Assembly polls will follow in March of same year.

According to INEC, flagbearers of political parties for all major elections are expected to have been resolves by September 2022.

The complete breakdown of political activities follows:

1. Consultation continues January 1-31

2. Intensive consultation continues February 1-28

3. March: INEC gives guideline for aspirants, candidates, parties in respect of congress, primary election and campaign

4. April: Campaign for Presidential and Gubernatorial elections

5. May: Party Congresses

6. June: Party Primary Elections

7. July: Petitions on Primary elections

8. August: Court of Appeal hearing on Primary elections conducted

9. September: Supreme Court verdict on all Primary elections. Candidates & winners for Presidential & Gubernatorial flag bearer of Parties contesting

10. October: Aggressive campaign by candidates/Parties across the federation

11. November: Campaign continues

12. December: Peace Accord signed by all presidential and Gubernatorial candidates

13. February 2023: Presidential and National Assembly elections

14. March 2023: Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.