- A bill to amend Nigeria’s constitution for independent candidacy has been reintroduced, aiming to open the political space for qualified individuals
- The proposed amendment requires independent candidates to secure endorsements from 10% of registered voters across two-thirds of their constituency
A bill to amend Nigeria’s constitution to allow for independent candidacy has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Rep Akin Rotimi (APC, Ekiti), the bill passed its first reading yesterday. The 9th National Assembly had previously passed a similar bill, but former President Muhammadu Buhari did not sign it.
The proposed amendment targets sections 7, 65, 106, and 221 of the constitution, and seeks to establish a dedicated desk within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manage independent candidacies.
According to the bill, independent candidates must secure the endorsement of at least 10% of registered voters across two-thirds of the constituency, senatorial district, state, or federation, depending on the position being contested.
In local elections, INEC or the State Independent Electoral Commission will verify these signatures. No voter is allowed to sign on behalf of another person.
Speaking to journalists, Rep Rotimi emphasized that the bill aims to open the political space and allow more qualified individuals to contest in elections without relying on political parties.