We’re Okay With Electoral Amendment Bill – INEC Tells Buhari

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC),has stated its satisfaction with the electoral amendment bill transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari recently by the National Assembly.

Recall that on November 29, the President asked for the advice of INEC and other important stakeholders regarding the electoral amendment act.

In the letter sent through his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, President Buhari asked the Chairman of the electoral body, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, to give his expert opinion on the contentious bill.

Two major amendments in the bill are:  the compulsory use of direct primaries by political parties to choose candidates for election as well as the provision to allow INEC to transmit election results electronically or decide otherwise.

However, a reliable source in the Presidency told TheCable that INEC has asked the President to sign the electoral bill as amended by the National Assembly.

The source said that the electoral body said it is satisfied with the bill, adding that the provisions in the bill would strengthen the electoral process and make future elections more credible.

He said that INEC commended the National Assembly for including the electronic transmission of results and the early nomination of candidates for elections.

According to the presidential aide, INEC told the president it is good that the commission will now have the power to review election results announced by its officials under duress.

The source added that INEC informed Buhari of its intention to finish the legislative process ahead of the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun scheduled for February and March 2022.