Olusola Bello
President Muhammadu Buhari may sign the Bill as passed and transmitted to him on November 19 by the National Assembly, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,. Femi Adesina, hinted Monday.
This may ultimately put an end to the controversy over direct primary clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television programme, ‘Politics Today’, Adesina said the Bill, when passed to law, would enhance Nigeria’s electoral process.
He said deepening the electoral process was dear to his principal’s heart
The special adviser was reacting to a question on a response by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Buhari request for advice on the contentious clause.
The National Assembly had sent the Bill for the President’s consideration and assent.
But, governors across party lines kicked against the introduction of the direct primary mode into the amended Bill by federal lawmakers, who in turn defended their action, saying it will deepen democracy.
The President has up till 19th of this month to either assent or decline the Bill.
The special adviser was reacting to a question on a response by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to Buhari request for advice on the contentious clause.
An unverified report said INEC, in its response, advised the President to go ahead and sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
A Presidency source said INEC was of the view that the bill contains substantial provisions that would lay a solid foundation for the improvement of the electoral process.
Corroborating the perceived INEC’s view, Adesina said: “The President is there to ensure that things are done in a proper way and since the new law would enhance the electoral process, I am sure the president would do the best for the country.”
