Buhari Still Has Time To Assent To Electoral Bill – Presidency

The presidency on Monday dismissed reports that President Muhammadu Buhari has until Tuesday to sign the Electoral Bill into law.

Naija News reports that there have been widespread condemnation of Buhari’s delay in signing the bill.

Many had called on the president to sign the bill as a legacy for his administration.

It was learned that the Nigerian leader had reportedly refused to sign the bill due to the contentious Clause 84 of the document, which violates the constitutional rights of some Nigerians.

The controversial clause bars political appointees from contesting elections and voting as delegates, either at conventions or congresses, after assenting to it

Reacting in a statement to Naija News, Buhari’s Media Adviser, Femi Adesina said the president has 30 days to sign the bill or reject it.

He said: “Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.

“One can just pity their ignorance of Constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the Bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

“It is on record that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the Constitution.

“A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinized, and be made as near-perfect as possible.

“Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.”