The House of Representatives has voted against a proposed bill that aimed to amend critical sections of the constitution pertaining to presidential and gubernatorial elections. Sponsored by Awaji-inombek Abiante of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the bill sought to make it mandatory for presidential and gubernatorial candidates to secure more than 50 percent of the total votes cast to win.
The proposed amendment sought to address concerns about the current electoral system, which allows candidates to win with a simple majority, regardless of whether they secure over half of the votes. Specifically, the bill aimed to amend sections 134 and 179 of the constitution, which outline the conditions for the election of the president and governor, respectively.
Under the existing constitutional provisions, candidates need to secure the highest number of votes and have at least one-quarter of the votes in specified jurisdictions to be elected. However, Abiante’s proposal sought to change this requirement to a majority, meaning candidates would need to secure more than 50 percent of the total votes cast to win.
The rejection of the bill follows heated debates and discussions within the House, with members expressing divergent views on its implications for electoral processes. While some lawmakers supported the proposed amendment as a step towards enhancing the integrity of elections, others raised concerns about its potential impact on democratic principles and the electoral landscape.
Despite efforts to garner support for the bill, it failed to pass the initial reading, signaling a significant setback for electoral reform efforts in Nigeria. The decision underscores the complexity and sensitivity of electoral law amendments, highlighting the need for thorough deliberations and consensus-building among lawmakers.
The rejection of the bill is expected to reignite discussions on electoral reforms and the need to address perceived shortcomings in the country’s electoral system. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the outcome of this legislative decision will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of electoral processes and governance in the country.
