The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, has emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is legally obligated to announce elections at least 360 days before they are conducted, in accordance with Nigeria’s constitutional and statutory requirements.
Nwankwo made this position clear on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he responded to questions on the state of Nigeria’s electoral framework and ongoing reform efforts.
Speaking as a civil rights advocate, Nwankwo cautioned that the National Assembly can no longer afford delays in finalizing and passing amendments to the Electoral Act. He warned that with election timelines approaching, electoral reforms must be treated as an urgent national priority rather than a routine legislative exercise.
According to him, credible elections depend heavily on early preparation, which in turn relies on a stable and predictable legal framework. He noted that Nigeria’s electoral process is already guided by well-established provisions found in both domestic laws and international commitments.
“We need sufficient time to prepare for elections,” Nwankwo said. “The electoral process is governed by clear legal standards drawn from international instruments such as ECOWAS protocols, as well as the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. These laws all emphasize certainty and stability in electoral regulations.”
Addressing speculations that the 360-day notice requirement may have been removed or altered, Nwankwo clarified that the provision remains firmly embedded in the Electoral Act of 2022. He explained that both the Constitution and the Electoral Act explicitly mandate INEC to issue election notices no later than 360 days before polling day.
“When you carefully examine the Constitution and the Electoral Act, it is clear that the 360-day notice requirement is still in force,” he stated. “That provision has not been removed; it remains part of the current law.”
However, Nwankwo pointed out that legal provisions alone are not sufficient. He stressed that INEC must also make timely public announcements and formal declarations to fully activate the electoral process and give political parties, candidates, and voters adequate time to prepare.
“Beyond what is written in the law, INEC must issue clear announcements and detailed pronouncements that signal the commencement of the electoral process,” he added.
Nwankwo also praised the National Assembly for its ongoing efforts to review and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral laws, describing the current legislative engagement as promising. He acknowledged that both the Senate and the House of Representatives have shown commitment through consultations, debates, and draft proposals.
“I must commend the National Assembly,” he said. “Both chambers are actively engaged in discussions, reviews, and consultations, and there is already a working document to show for these efforts.”
Nevertheless, he urged lawmakers to accelerate the reform process to prevent rushed amendments close to election periods, warning that last-minute changes could erode public trust and compromise the credibility of future polls.
Nwankwo concluded by reiterating that certainty in electoral laws is fundamental to free, fair, and credible elections, and remains a key pillar for democratic stability in Nigeria.
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