The Senate on Wednesday conceded to President Muhammadu Buhari’s demand on the Electoral Act as approved Direct, Indirect and Consensus mode of primaries for political parties.
The Senate’s decision was sequel to the refusal President Buhari to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill in November 2021.
Buhari in the letter dated December 13, 2021 and addressed to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, had explained that his decision to withhold assent to the Electoral Bill was informed by advice from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government after a thorough review.
The Senate Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya, while moving a motion for the amendment, said the recommittal of the bill to the Committee on the Whole was against the backdrop of the “need to address the observation by President Buhari”.
The newly-passed amendment approved direct, indirect and consensus primaries as procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions as contained in clause 84 (2)
Clause 84(3) reads: “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.”
Clause 84(4) further provides: “A political party that adopts the system of indirect primaries for the choice of its candidate shall adopt the procedure outlined below: (a) In the case of nominations to the position of Presidential candidate, a political party shall, (i) hold special conventions in each of the 36 states of the federation and FCT, where delegates shall vote for each of the aspirants at designated centers in each State Capital on specified dates.”
The clause provides that a National Convention shall be held for the ratification of the candidate with the highest number of votes.
Presenting the amendment, the Senate Leader recalled that President Buhari had signified withholding his assent on the Electoral Act No. 6 2010 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2021, which was passed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the President on November 18, 2021.
Senator Abdullahi noted that the rational for withholding assent bordered on his observation in Clause 84.
Senator Abdullahi explained that the motion for recommital of the bill to the Committee on the Whole was against the backdrop of the “need to address the observation by Mr. President, C-in-C and make necessary amendment in accordance with Order 87(c) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 (as amended); and relying on order 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2022 ( as amended).”