Victor EzejaNational Consultative Front (NCF), a coalition of political parties and other Socio-political organisations in Nigeria, has condemned the delay by President Muhammadu Buhari in signing into law, the Electoral Act Amendment Bill that has been passed by the National Assembly.
NCFront in a statement by its Head of Public Affairs Bureau, Dr Tanko Yunusa, denounced the president’s action describing it as an act of indiscretion and insensitivity to the feelings and expectations of the citizens and the international community.
Buhari had after the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, refused to sign it into law on the ground that the Clause dealing on direct primaries of political parties would attract heavy spending by the government to the tune of N500 billion as stated by the INEC’s chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe group stated that the president by refusing to sign the bill, which would empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the quest for electronic transmission of results, the President has left no one in doubt about the ploy to undermine democratic wishes of Nigerians in 2023.
The Civil Society coalition group has been on the forefront, campaigning for appoval of electronic transmission of election results to boost transparency and credibility of the Electoral process for smooth transition from one democratic dispensation to another.
Part of the statement reads, “It is unfortunate that the leadership and government of All Progressive Congress (APC) remain impervious, uncommitted and insincere to the popular clamour to consolidate on the electoral reform to pave the way for peaceful transfer of power in 2023.
“It is indeed regrettable that President Buhari and the APC appear recalcitrant in their determination to reverse the gains recorded with the introduction of biometric system that led to the deployment of Permanent Voter Card and Card Reader Machine during the 2015 election.
“Under Buhari, there appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine INEC and frustrate further reforms that will invest the electoral system with transparency. NCF therefore categorically decries the self centered and retrogressive agenda targeted at eroding the faith of the citizens in electoral process through deliberate orchestration of barriers against reforms by INEC.
“It is unfortunate that President Buhari anchored his refusal to assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill on the provision on direct primaries, which now largely appears a booby trap activated to frustrate popular demands for electronic transmission of results. It is recalled that electronic voting was overwhelmingly canvassed by Nigerians following rejection by the both chambers of the National Assembly.”
The group alleged that refusal of the President to sign the amendment Bill containing a provision for mandatory direct primaries was a ploy by enemies of the country’s democracy to “frustrate electronic transmission of results.
“It is unfortunate that President Buhari refused to assent electronic transmission of results as introduced by INEC in spite of the high level of transparency witnessed in the polls conducted recently; particularly during the November 6 Governorship Election in Anambra State.”
“The decision by President Buhari to withhold assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill offends the sensibilities of Nigerians and must therefore be resisted by all legitimate means necessary. Refusal by Mr. President to sign the Electoral Amendment Bill is dubious and constitutes assault on democracy. This is yet a demonstration of insincerity and abuse of privilege that is antithetical to overriding national interest,” the group further stated.
NCFront called on Nigerians and other stakeholders in various political platofrms to mobilise and collectively”compel” the president to sign the Bill into law.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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