The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Clement Nwankwo, has insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is required by law to issue a minimum of 360 days’ notice ahead of any election.
Nwankwo made the assertion on Wednesday, the 21st of January, 2026, during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he responded to questions on electoral reforms and preparations.
He stressed that the National Assembly must fast-track the passage of the Electoral Bill, warning that continued delays could negatively affect election planning, as time is no longer on the side of key stakeholders.
According to him, adequate preparation for elections depends largely on a stable and predictable legal framework, noting that Nigeria’s electoral process is guided not only by domestic laws but also by international obligations.
He said, “We need time for preparation for the election. We need certain things in the electoral laws and legal framework both the international instruments, including ECOWAS protocols, Nigerian constitution and in fact the Electoral Act stipulates the need for certainty in electoral law.
“When you look at the constitution and the Electoral Act, it’s quite clear saying that you must give notice of election 360 days before the elections. And those 360 days are still in the current 2022 Electoral Act, so it’s not a problem.
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“But there are announcements and pronouncements and stipulations you need to put out in terms of that notice being issued and I must say that the National Assembly has been fantastic.
“The Senate and the House of Representatives are going through the process of deliberations, reviews conversation and actually do have a document,” he said.
Nwankwo emphasized that clarity and certainty in electoral laws are essential for credible elections, urging lawmakers to treat the ongoing reforms as a matter of urgency.