A coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Bauchi State has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to bequeath a good legacy by assenting the amended electoral bill 2021 sent to him by the National Assembly last month.
In a Press Release, signed by representatives of Young Leaders Network, Leadtots Development Initiative, Women Development Association for Sustainable Development, WODASS and Coordinator American space, Bauchi called on the President to save the electoral system by assenting to the law.
The groups stated that the bill contains some parts that are directed at improving the quality and credibility of elections, citing legal backing for the use of electoral technologies for voter accreditation and electronic transfer of election results as examples.
“The Amended Bill resolved that voting at an election and transmission of results under this Bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the Commission, which may include electronic voting”
“A political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this Bill shall hold direct primaries for aspirants to all elective positions, which shall be monitored by the Commission. This upholds the direct primaries for aspirants in political parties” the joined statement read in part.
According to the group, the bill if signed into law will eliminate all illegal and opportunist setbacks to youth and women political participation, adding it was imperative on the President to do the needful.
The group called on other Political actors and State Governors not to influence the President to stand down on the bill.
They argued that the bill is an opportunity to give Nigerians credible elections.
The CSOs expressed concern that over the delay from the Presidency to assent the bill even after it has followed rigorous legislative examinations.
WikkiTimes recalled that the National Assembly has communicated the amended electoral bill 2021 to the presidency on 19th November for assent.
Weeks after it was sent, the bill was yet to get the President’s nod to stand as an act.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
