ELECTORAL MATTERS: Effect of failure to give INEC 21 days’ notice of conference, Congress or Meeting

“There is no doubt that by virtue of Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act, every registered political party shall give the 3^rd respondent (INEC) at least 21 days, notice of any congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of nominating candidates for elective office under the Act. The provision is mandatory and failure to give the said notice shall, by virtue of Section 82(5) of the Act, render the convention, congress, conference or meeting invalid. As observed above, Exhibits FAA 35A and FAA 35B are notices of re-scheduling of previously Scheduled primaries.” Per KUDIRAT MOTONMORI OLATOKUNBO KEKERE-EKUN, JSC in ALIYU V. NAMADI & ORS (2023-LCER-48013-SC) @ P. 61; Paras. B-E.