The Presidency has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has a window of 30 days to assent or decline the signing of the Electoral Bill ‘after it had been transmitted to him by the National Assembly.’
A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Monday revealed that the amended Bill was sent to the Presidency on January 31, 2022.
Recall that there has been a call for the President to sign the Electoral Bill ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The statement reads; ASSENT TO ELECTORAL BILL: NO NEED FOR SABER RATTLING
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 scrutinized, 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.’
Meanwhile, President Buhari had declined to sign the Electoral Bill over the inclusion of compulsory direct primaries stipulated in the Electoral Amendment Bill. He made it clear that the primary election should be open to accommodate both direct indirect primaries and consensus candidates.
