House Of Reps Amends 2022 Electoral Act

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has amended the Electoral Act 2022 to allow statutory delegates to participate in political parties’ congresses and conventions.

The decision to amend the law was reached on Wednesday by the lawmakers after Hon Abubakar Hassan Fulata, sponsored a bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act No 13, 2022; and for Related Matters (HB. 1984).

Recall that the act, which was assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2022, had prevented statutory delegates from taking part in party primaries.

Statutory delegates include the President, Vice President, Governors and their deputies, Federal and State lawmakers, Local Government Chairmen and their vice, Councillors, political party chairmen in all the 774 LGAs, political parties’ National Working Committee members, state Party Chairmen and Secretaries.

The amendment of the electoral act would allow statutory delegates, in addition to the delegates elected by various political parties, to vote during congresses and conventions to elect candidates for various political offices.

Naija News reports that the amendment comes a day after the 9th Senate led by Senate President Ahmad Lawan amended the same Electoral Act 2022.

The Senate President while speaking after the bill was passed said the “unintended clause” had to be amended before the commencement of party primaries.

According to Lawan, the House of Representatives led by Femi Gbajabiamila will also sign the bill before transmitting it to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

Lawan added that the electoral act was amended to ensure that no one is denied his rights during political parties’ activities.