House of Representatives Passes Bill to Allow Independent Candidates in Elections
On Thursday, the Nigerian House of Representatives passed a significant bill on its first reading, aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to permit independent candidates to contest for elective positions in future elections.
The proposed legislation, titled “A bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As amended) to allow for the participation of candidates who are not sponsored by political parties in the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and local government council elections,” seeks to broaden the scope of Nigeria’s electoral process by making room for candidates unaffiliated with any political party.
This initiative is sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the House and representative of the Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti State. The bill targets specific amendments to key sections of the constitution, including Sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221. These sections cover the eligibility and qualifications for elective offices, which currently require candidates to be backed by political parties.
If passed, the bill will be a historic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, offering more Nigerians the opportunity to run for office without needing political party endorsements, thus enhancing political diversity and inclusivity.
Further readings of the bill and debate are expected in subsequent sessions of the House.
