Presidency to interest groups: Don’t play politics with electoral bill

The Presidency on Monday advised those trying to foment trouble over the delay in the signing of the electoral bill into law by President Muhammadu Buhari not to play politics with a matter that requires thorough scrutiny.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, gave the advice in a statement titled ‘Assent to Electoral Bill: No need for saber rattling’.

He said the executive could do due diligence on the amended bill till March 1, as prescribed by the constitution, stressing that a proposed legislation that had to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needed to be made as near-perfect as possible.

The statement read: “Some interest groups are cashing in on what they consider a delay in the signing of the Electoral Bill into law by the President to foment civil disorder and muddy the waters.

“One can just pity their ignorance of constitutional requirements, as the President has a window of 30 days within which to sign the bill, or decline assent, after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.

“It is on record that the amended bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022, which means that the Executive could do due diligence on it till March 1, as prescribed by the constitution.

“A proposed legislation that has to do with the electoral fortunes of the country needs to be thoroughly scrutinised, and be made as near-perfect as possible.

“Those playing cheap politics with it are, therefore, encouraged to hold their peace, knowing that the right thing will be done within the lawful time.”

The president had among other reasons initially withheld assent to the Electoral Bill 2021 transmitted to him on November 19, 2021 to allow each political party to determine its mode of selecting candidates for election through options of direct, indirect and consensus.

This was amended by the National Assembly and re-transmitted to the president for assent.