The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for general elections in the country for the next 36 years, starting from 2019 to 2055.
Prof. Mamood Yakubu, Chairman of the commission, made the announcement at a consultative meeting with leaders of political parties in Abuja.
Yakubu said “In 2019, the dates are February 16 and March 2; in 2023, the dates are February 18 and March 4.
“In 2027, the dates are February 20 and March 6; in 2031, it is February15 and March 1.
“In 2035, it is February 17 and March 3; in 2039, it is February19 and March 5 and in 2043, it will hold on February 21 and March 7.
“In 2047, it is February15 and March 2; in 2051, it is February18 and March 1; in 2055, it is February 20 and March 6.”
The chairman further pointed out that in other democracies of the world, periods of elections were generally known and were not topics for speculation.
Yakubu explained that the aim was to engender certainty in the election calendar and allow for long-term planning by the commission and all stakeholders, adding that certainty in election calendar was necessary to match Nigeria’s democratic system with global best practices.
