The Nigerian Senate has amended Section 84 (8) of the Electoral Act 2022, which will enable statutory delegates participate in political parties’ congresses and conventions.
The Electoral Act, which was assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2022, prevents statutory delegates from taking part in party primaries.
Statutory delegates include councillors, local government chairmen and their vice, political party chairmen in all the 774 LGAs, state and federal lawmakers, governors and their deputies, president and vice president, political parties’ National Working Committee members, state party chairmen and secretaries.
The decision to named the section was reached on Tuesday by the lawmakers after the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege sponsored the move.
The change in 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.
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 Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila will also sign the bill on Wednesday, 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.
