President Muhammadu Buhari has finally signed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021, into law.
Speaking at the event, the president, who highlighted the contents and advantages of the Act, urged the National Assembly to immediately amend Section 84 of the Act, in line with the nation’s 1999 Constitution as amended.
The President objected to the provision that barred political office holders from voting or been voted for during party primaries, a provision he said run contrary to the spirit of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.
He said the provision should rather asked political office holders interested in contesting any election to resign.
He expressed the hope that the law would promote sound electoral processes and good governance in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, witnessed the signing of the bill at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja.
Others at the Council Chamber included Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.