Olawepo-Hashim Critiques INEC on Electoral Act Changes

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a presidential aspirant from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding its recent actions that he claims abridge Section 29 of the Electoral Act. He asserts that INEC's decision to alter the timeline for political parties to submit candidate lists, which is set at 120 days before the general elections, is unlawful and without the approval of the National Assembly.

According to Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, political parties are required to submit their candidate lists to INEC within this timeframe. Olawepo-Hashim emphasizes that this change, which he argues was made without proper legislative backing, puts undue pressure on political parties, particularly the PDP, as they prepare for the upcoming elections.

He warns that if INEC continues to operate outside the law, it will face legal challenges. The deadline for submitting candidate names is set for September 16, which he believes is an unreasonable timeframe imposed by INEC.