By Raymond Oise

Sir: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the electoral umpire, has the statutory right to adjust the election timetable.

Now that there are still crucial suits affecting the major opposition parties, I am of the opinion that the best thing to do at this juncture is to approach INEC to adjust the timetable by at least one month, since elections could still be held 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of this administration on May 29, 2027.

So, when INEC adjusts the timetable for primaries, it is acting pursuant to its administrative powers under sections 28, 29, and 84 of the electoral act.

Section 28 of the Electoral Act gives INEC the authority to issue the election timetable schedule. Section 29 governs submission deadlines for candidates, while section 84 regulates party primaries and inec oversight.

All these provisions together support INEC’S power to revise or reschedule dates for primaries and candidate submissions, provided the statutory timelines are still obeyed.

In view of the above, the major opposition parties should approach INEC to amend/adjust the timetable by, at least, one month to enable them sort out or conclude the pending suits in court.

The law is made for man and not the other way round. so, if it is expedient for INEC to adjust the timetable in the interest of equity and fair play, it should not have any problem in doing so, provided the extension still falls within the statutory timeline prescribed by law.

So, I do not think there is any cause for alarm or any fear of jumping from one party to another.

Even if INEC is not willing to co-operate, the parties can approach the courts to compel INEC to do the needful.

Meanwhile, all the courts still handling crucial matters concerning the political parties should expedite action and bring those matters to final conclusions.

This is my humble opinion on the present state of our political uncertainties.

• Raymond Oise wrote from Lagos