Nigeria’s senate votes to reverse election order

In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria's Senate voted to reverse the election order set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which initially fixed presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, the 16th of February 2019, and gubernatorial and legislative elections for Saturday, the 2nd of March 2019. The Senate's decision to demand that National Assembly elections take place before the presidential elections has sparked a political storm in the country. Chude Achike, a Political Affairs commentator, shed some light on the motivations behind this move. According to Achike, the vote to reverse the election order is not merely about Nigeria itself but rather a reflection of the political dynamics at play between the government led by President Buhari and the National Assembly. The strained relationship between the two entities has instigated this action from the Senate, fueled by concerns of self-preservation among senators and members of the House of Representatives. Many fear that allowing the presidential elections to precede the National Assembly elections could jeopardize their chances of returning to power, drawing parallels to past scenarios where critical voices within the National Assembly lost their seats following the election of a president. The Senate's move, therefore, appears to be a strategic maneuver to safeguard the interests of its members amidst a challenging political landscape. Achike highlighted the historical context that informs the current situation, referencing past tensions between a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, and the National Assembly. Obasanjo's prioritization of his election led to consequences for his vocal critics within the legislative body, serving as a cautionary tale for present-day lawmakers. The fear of a repeat scenario seems to be a driving force behind the Senate's decision to reorder the election sequence. When questioned about the implications of the Senate's vote on the veto power of the parliament, Achike emphasized the authority wielded by the National Assembly in shaping electoral laws. With INEC compelled to comply with legislation enacted by the parliament, the Senate's decision holds significant weight in determining the electoral process. While potential challenges may arise, such as legal disputes or presidential vetoes, Achike suggested that the National Assembly's ability to override a veto renders such actions less impactful, ultimately positioning them as key players in the decision-making process. The role of President Buhari in approving or vetoing the Senate's decision remains uncertain. However, Achike indicated that the president's veto power could be circumvented through the National Assembly's ability to reintroduce and pass amended legislation. Despite the potential for disagreement between the executive and legislative branches, the Senate appears poised to assert its influence and dictate the trajectory of the election order. As Nigeria navigates this period of political maneuvering and electoral rearrangement, the Senate's vote to reverse the election order reflects the complex interplay of interests and power dynamics within the country's political landscape. With the impending elections looming, the decisions made in the corridors of power will shape the course of Nigeria's democratic process and determine the fates of its political stakeholders.