Electoral Act: Like Senators, Reps Pass Electoral Bill Without Compulsory Direct Primary Clause

The house of representatives on Thursday passed the electoral act amendment bill after revising the compulsory direct primary clause. 

PrimeBusiness Africa can report that the bill was read for the third time and passed during the plenary session on Thursday.

The senators at its sitting on Wednesday removed the clause (84) requiring political parties to only select candidates through direct primaries.

The amended clause read: “The procedure for nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions shall be by direct and indirect primaries.”

The national assembly will send the bill back to the president after it has agreed with the house of representatives on it.

Prime Business Africa had reported President Muhammadu Buhari refused assent to the bill, citing his reservations with the direct primary clause.

The senate and lower legislative chamber had passed the bill in July 2021 and adopted a compulsory primary poll for all political parties.