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.
In February 2022, The Electoral Act was assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari which 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 Red Chamber amended the clause after considering a bill sponsored by Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege during plenary on Tuesday.
The amendment will allow statutory delegates, in addition to the delegates elected by various political parties, vote during congresses and conventions to elect candidates for various political offices.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan Speaking after passing the bill, states that the “unintended clause” had to be amended before commencement of party primaries.
Adding that the electoral act was amended to ensure that no one is denied his rights during political parties’ activities.
