*Approves direct, indirect or consensus primary for parties
By Ignatius Okorocha
The Senate on Wednesday dropped its earlier stance on direct primaries by amending the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021, earlier passed by the National Assembly on November 18, 2021.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had refused to give his assent to the Bill as passed by the National Assembly based on clause 84(2) that allows political parties to conduct direct primaries, noting that it is undemocratic.
Accordingly, the chamber in Clause 84(2) of the report approved direct, indirect primary or consensus for the nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions.
It also approved the recommended Clause 84(3) that “a political party that adopts direct primaries procedure shall ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunity of being voted for by members of the party”.
Clause 84(4) further provides that “a political party that adopts indirect primary 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.
The amendment followed a motion for its re-commital to the Committee of the Whole.
The motion was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North).
The Senate Leader, in his presentation, recalled why President Muhammadu Buhari withheld his assent to the Bill passed last November.
Sen. Abdullahi noted that the rational for withholding assent bordered on his observation in Clause 84.
President Buhari in a letter dated December 13, 2021, and address to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, explained that his decision to withhold assent was informed by advice from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government after a thorough review.
According to the President, signing the bill into law would have serious adverse legal, financial, economic and security consequences on the country, particularly in view of Nigeria’s peculiarities.
He added that it would also impact negatively on the rights of citizens to participate in government as constitutionally ensured.
Sen. Abdullahi, however, explained that the motion for re-commital 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).”
Accordingly, the chamber rescinded its decision on the affected Clause of the Bill as passed and recommit same to the Committee of the Whole for consideration and passage.
