SAN FRANCISCO, April 25, (THEWILL) – A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has ruled that the National Assembly does not have the power to amend the election timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
THEWILL recalls that the Federal Legislators had adopted a reordered sequence of the 2019 general election, putting the presidential election last in a bill that was transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.
However, it was rejected by the President who said the amendments if allowed to pass would violate parts of the constitution.
Shortly after President Buhari rejected the bill some lawmakers said the national assembly would evoke its powers under section 58(5) of the 1999 constitution to override the president.
However, Accord Party through its counsel, Wole Olanipekun, filed an application to stop the lawmakers from tampering with the electoral act.
Ruling on Wednesday, the court declared that it was the prerogative of the electoral commission to determine the sequence of elections.
THEWILL recalls that the move to amend the timetable sparked controversy among the lawmakers leading eventually to the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
About the Author
