Electoral Act: Former INEC Boss Reveals Why Buhari Must Sign Amended Bill
- Noticeable gaps in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill should not prevent the president from signing the bill
- This was the position of former INEC chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega, in reaction to Buhari's delay in signing the bill
- Jega appealed to the Nigerian leader to sign as the bill would go a long way in enhancing the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral process
Lagos - President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged not to delay any further in appending his signature to the amended Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Vanguard reports that the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Atahiru Jega made the call on Wednesday, February 23, in Lagos state.
Source: Getty Images
According to Jega, signing such a bill into law would go a long way in enhancing the confidence of Nigerians in the nation’s electoral process.
The immediate past INEC boss went on to note that though there were noticeable gaps in the bill, such should not prevent the president from signing the bill, ThisDay added.
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While stating that the issues could be addressed, Jega said such corrections can be looked at after the bill must have been signed into law.
He attributed the increasing apathy Nigeria's electoral process had continued to attract to the obvious flaws in the existing electoral law, adding that it has not given many Nigerians the confidence to participate.
2023: Why INEC may shift polls if Buhari signs Electoral Bill
In a previous report by Legit.ng, indications emerged that INEC may have to postpone the scheduled conduct of the 2023 general elections if Buhari acts on the electoral bill sent to him after February 22, 2022.
Immediately after the 2019 general elections, INEC scheduled the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections for February 18, 2023.
But barely a year to the presidential election, INEC is yet to issue guidelines for the conduct of the election on the ground that it is waiting for a new electoral act.
PDP reveals what will happen in Nigeria if Buhari refuses to sign Electoral Bill
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that the delay in signing the electoral act amendment bill into law by President Buhari is causing tension in the country.
This disclosure was made by Debo Ologunagba, the PDP publicity secretary, on Tuesday, February 22, at a media parley in Abuja.
The opposition party’s spokesman said the growing tension has the potential to cause violence, which might affect West Africa and other regions.
Source: Legit.ng
