Chidi Samuel || The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday in an unprecedented move released the dates for the next 10 general elections in Nigeria.
The dates announced by INEC chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu at a consultative forum with leaders of political parties in the country, covers a period of 36 years starting from the 2019 elections to that of 2055.
According to the INEC boss, the move is aimed at standardising the electoral process because, in other democratic climes, election date was not an issue for speculation as it was generally known.
Yakubu said, “In 2019, the dates are February 16 and March 2; in 2023, the dates are February 18 and March 4,” Yakubu said.
“In 2027, the dates are February 20 and March 6; in 2031, it is February 15 and March 1.
“In 2035, it is February 17 and March 3; in 2039, it is February 19 and March 5 and in 2043, it will hold on February 21 and March 7.
“In 2047, it is February 15 and March 2; in 2051, it is February 18 and March 1; in 2055, it is February 20 and March 6.”
The INEC boss also said the pre-scheduled dates will allow for long-term planning by the commission and all stakeholders.
The announcement may not go down well with members of the National Assembly following their decision to change the sequence of elections in the country beginning with the 2019 general election.