Breaking: Reps Pass Electoral Bill but Without Compulsory Direct Primary Clause
- The Nigerian House of Representatives passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill on Thursday, January 20
- However, the lawmakers revised the compulsory direct primary clause which has been a source of controversy
- The bill was passed after the removal of clause (84) requiring political parties to only select candidates through direct primaries
The house of representatives has passed the electoral act amendment bill after revising the compulsory direct primary clause.
The house at its sitting on Wednesday removed the clause (84) requiring political parties to only select candidates through direct primaries.
Source: Facebook
President Muhammadu Buhari had declined assent to the bill, citing his reservations with the direct primary clause.
The amended clause read: “The procedure for nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions shall be by direct and indirect primaries.”
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The national assembly will send the bill back to the president after it has agreed with the house of representatives on it.
President Muhammadu Buhari had declined assent to the bill, citing his reservations with the direct primary clause.
The senate and lower legislative chamber had passed the bill in July 2021 and adopted compulsory primary poll for all political parties.
Buhari wins as Senate removes direct primary clause, passes electoral act amendment
Recall that Legit.ng reported that the Senate has re-amended the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021, passed by the National Assembly on November 18, 2021.
Accordingly, the chamber in Clause 84(2) of the report approved direct, indirect primaries or consensus as procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions.
It also approved the recommended Clause 84(3) that “a political party that adopts the direct primaries procedure shall ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunity of being voted for by members of the part.”
2022 budget: We did nothing wrong, NASS replies President Buhari
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Lawan had stated that the National Assembly did nothing wrong to adjust the 2022 budget.
Lawan said this while responding to correspondents' question on President Buhari's reservations on the adjustment by lawmakers in the budget.
He noted that the legislature does not necessarily have to agree with the president on every issue, adding that what is most important is that Buhari is pleased with the outcome of the work done.
Source: Legit.ng
