Politics

Governors Cannot Dictate to Buhari on Electoral Bill, CSOs Insist

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have strongly opposed the move by some governors to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from signing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2021. The CSOs argue that the bill has substantially met the expectations of Nigerians and that governors should not dictate to the President.

CSOs’ Position

In a statement issued by the Executive Director of Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, and endorsed by several other CSOs, they emphasized that:

1. The President has the prerogative to sign the bill into law based on popular demand.

2. Governors should not obstruct the popular will of Nigerians on the Electoral bill.

3. Governors should focus on rebuilding their parties, ensuring internal party reforms, digitizing membership registration, and dues payments.

Concerns About Governors’ Motives

The CSOs expressed concerns that:

1. The real motive behind governors’ resistance may not be the single mode of primary retained in the bill, but rather fear of losing elections.

2. Some politicians may not be comfortable with electronic-aided transparency in elections.

Call to Action

The CSOs urged:

1. The President to sign the bill into law and make history.

2. Governors and political parties to embark on internal party reforms and digitize membership registration and dues payment systems.

3. Conduct transparent primaries and ensure accountability in party management.

Electoral Reform Advocacy

The CSOs have been advocating for electoral reforms to ensure credible and transparent elections in Nigeria. They believe that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2021, is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Background

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2021, aims to improve Nigeria’s electoral process by:

1. Introducing electronic voting and transmission of results.

2. Strengthening the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

3. Improving voter registration and verification processes.

Implications

The signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2021, into law would:

1. Enhance the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process.

2. Reduce electoral disputes and violence.

3. Strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law. By signing the bill, President Buhari would demonstrate his commitment to electoral reforms and leave a lasting legacy for Nigeria’s democracy.