President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to the Constitution and the Electoral Act of 2022 in conducting the upcoming governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for March 11. He made this appeal during the conclusion of Thursday’s plenary session, where he also announced the suspension of further sessions until March 14 to allow senators to engage in campaign activities and the elections.
Lawan emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns raised during the recent Presidential and National Assembly Elections to ensure a smooth electoral process for the upcoming elections. He stated, “INEC should consider looking into issues raised by the public. INEC should be strictly guided by the Constitution and the Electoral Act and their guidelines and regulations.” He encouraged Nigerians to support INEC in any way possible to facilitate the successful conduct of the governorship and state assembly elections, highlighting that such success is essential for the functioning of democracy.
Reflecting on the legislative week, Lawan noted that the decision to reconvene immediately after the presidential and national assembly elections was intended to stay informed about the electoral situation. He expressed gratitude to all senators for their efforts in making the Ninth Senate a success and acknowledged that the Senate had completed its legislative duties for the week. He remarked, “We have to adjourn for all of us to participate in the campaigns and elections of the governors and state assembly members.”
Lawan also pointed out that seven serving senators are contesting in the governorship elections. These include Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who is running for governor of Delta under the All Progressives Congress, as well as Senator Aishatu Binani (APC-Adamawa), Senator Haliru Jika (NNPP-Bauchi), Senator Sandy Onor (PDP-Cross River), Senator Uba Sani (APC-Kaduna), Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (APC-Taraba), and Senator Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo). He expressed his best wishes for their success, noting that this election could mark a historic moment, particularly with Senator Binani potentially becoming the first elected female governor in Nigeria.
Lawan encouraged all senators, both those contesting and those not running, to actively participate in the electoral process to observe any issues that may arise firsthand. He acknowledged that while the recent presidential and national assembly elections generally went well, there were still a few complaints from the public that needed to be addressed.
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