HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUSHES FOR INDEPENDENT CANDIDACY IN ELECTORAL REFORM BILL
POLITICS - Posted on: 31st Oct. 2024 at 9:20PM
By Gbemisola Onigbanjo
The Nigerian House of Representatives is advancing a new constitutional amendment bill aimed at enabling Nigerians to participate in elections without needing political party affiliation. Led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the 10th House of Representatives has made electoral reform a priority, with a focus on creating a more inclusive electoral process by supporting independent candidacy at all electoral levels. Sponsored by the House’s spokesperson, Akinunde Rotimi, and in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Elect Her, the bill has already passed its First Reading.
The proposed bill seeks to amend Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution, which currently prohibits independent candidates, as well as other sections of the Constitution and Electoral Act, to formally allow and regulate independent candidacy. This reform aims to promote internal democracy within political parties, reduce the influence of "political godfathers," and provide fairer access to political office for all Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation.
This initiative follows longstanding recommendations from past electoral reform bodies, including the 2014 National Conference and the Justice Uwais and Ken Nnamani committees, which have argued that the current structure excludes many qualified Nigerians from participating in the electoral process.
To qualify as an independent candidate, the bill requires aspirants to meet several criteria, such as obtaining verified signatures from registered voters across their constituency and paying a financial deposit set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Candidates must also satisfy all constitutional eligibility criteria, and INEC will ensure independent candidates have access to equal media coverage, public debates, and campaign funding rules, mirroring the treatment given to party-sponsored candidates.
Rotimi emphasized that the bill aims to ensure that all Nigerians have equal opportunities to seek elective offices without undue interference from party politics. “We believe every Nigerian should have the right to pursue political aspirations without restriction,” he stated, pointing out that independent candidates are already common in other democracies.
Ibijoke Faborode, Executive Director of Elect Her, voiced support for the reform, stating that it would democratize the political landscape and encourage broader participation from women, youth, and the physically challenged.
The bill is now proceeding through the House and, if successful, will require approval from the National Assembly and state legislatures to become law. This landmark reform has the potential to reshape Nigeria's electoral landscape by increasing inclusivity and giving all Nigerians a fair chance to engage in the political process.
By Gbemisola Onigbanjo The Nigerian House of Representatives is advancing a new constitutional amendment bill aimed at enabling Nigerians to participate in elections without needing political party affiliation. Led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the 10th House of Representatives has made electoral reform a priority, with a focus on creating a more inclusive electoral process by supporting independent candidacy at all electoral levels. Sponsored by the House’s spokesperson, Akinunde Rotimi, and in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Elect Her, the bill has already passed its First Reading.
The proposed bill seeks to amend Section 221 of the 1999 Constitution, which currently prohibits independent candidates, as well as other sections of the Constitution and Electoral Act, to formally allow and regulate independent candidacy. This reform aims to promote internal democracy within political parties, reduce the influence of "political godfathers," and provide fairer access to political office for all Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation.
This initiative follows longstanding recommendations from past electoral reform bodies, including the 2014 National Conference and the Justice Uwais and Ken Nnamani committees, which have argued that the current structure excludes many qualified Nigerians from participating in the electoral process.
To qualify as an independent candidate, the bill requires aspirants to meet several criteria, such as obtaining verified signatures from registered voters across their constituency and paying a financial deposit set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Candidates must also satisfy all constitutional eligibility criteria, and INEC will ensure independent candidates have access to equal media coverage, public debates, and campaign funding rules, mirroring the treatment given to party-sponsored candidates.
Rotimi emphasized that the bill aims to ensure that all Nigerians have equal opportunities to seek elective offices without undue interference from party politics. “We believe every Nigerian should have the right to pursue political aspirations without restriction,” he stated, pointing out that independent candidates are already common in other democracies.
Ibijoke Faborode, Executive Director of Elect Her, voiced support for the reform, stating that it would democratize the political landscape and encourage broader participation from women, youth, and the physically challenged.
The bill is now proceeding through the House and, if successful, will require approval from the National Assembly and state legislatures to become law. This landmark reform has the potential to reshape Nigeria's electoral landscape by increasing inclusivity and giving all Nigerians a fair chance to engage in the political process.
Posted by: Emdee David
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