The House of Representatives has resolved to accelerate the consideration of the bill on the introduction of independent candidacy by referring it to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review.
The private member bill was sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi.
Hon Rotimi while addressing House of Representatives press Corp in Abuja, said, the crucial legislation, which is a legacy bill from the previous Assembly, was reintroduced for consideration following its First Reading on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
According to him, the bill proposes that for any citizen to contest the presidential election as an independent candidate, they must obtain the verified signatures of at least 20 percent of registered voters from each of the 36 states.
The bill provides that any citizen willing to contest national assembly elections must obtain the verified signatures of at least 20 percent of registered voters from each of the LGAs in the respective senatorial district or federal constituency.
The Founder and chief executive officer of ElectHER, Ibijoke Faborode, said the recommittal of the bill is a progressive milestone.
She added that the bill will significantly shape the future of the country’s democracy if the bill is passed into law. She expressed enthusiasm at seeing the National Assembly unite in support of the bill, underscoring their dedication to a legislative agenda that promotes inclusivity.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari declined assent to the bill when it was passed during the ninth assembly.
