Senate amends Electoral Act to allow president, govs, lawmakers, others vote at primaries

The senate, yesterday, amended the Electoral Act 2022 to allow statutory delegates to participate and vote in the conventions, congresses or meetings of political parties.

The amendment followed the consideration of a bill sponsored by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central).

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Those identified as “statutory delegates” include the president, vice president, members of the National Assembly, governors and their deputies, members of the Houses of Assembly, chairmen of councils, councilors and National Working Committee (NWC) members of political parties.

The bill seeks to amend Section 84(8) of the act to make provision for delegates who, not being elected delegates as prescribed in the constitution of a political party to participate in the convention, congress or meetings of the party.

Omo-Agege said the provisions of the section, “Do not provide for the participation of what is generally known as ‘statutory delegates’ in the conventions, congresses or meetings of political parties.”

Speaking after the bill to amend the 2022 Electoral Act was passed, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said the amendment became imperative in view of the deficiency created by the provision of Section 84(8) of the extant act.