The National Assembly has confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari withheld assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021.
The Senate and House of Representatives made this known at today’s plenary session while revealing the content of President Buhari’s letter.
According to Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in the letter, Buhari said he acted based on strong advice having carefully reviewed the bill in light of current realities.
Lawan noted that Buhari said that direct primaries will have adverse legal and financial consequences which can’t be accommodated.
He further revealed that the president said the implications on the right of citizens to partake in governance was also considered.
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also confirmed the decline.
He, however, said it behoves on the lawmakers to think on the next step.
Recall the National Assembly had, on November 19, transmitted the bill to President Buhari for assent in line with the constitutional provision.
The 30-day window for President Buhari to assent the bill elapsed Sunday night.
Both Lawan and Gbajabiamila, had at different times met with the President over the bill and expressed confidence that he would assent to it.
Details later…
