A bill proposing an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to allow independent candidacy in elections passed its first reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Sponsored by the House spokesperson, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi (APC-Ekiti), the bill aims to enable individuals to contest elections without the need for sponsorship by a political party.
For presidential elections, the bill stipulates that an independent candidate must secure verified signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters in two-thirds of Nigeria’s states. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is tasked with verifying the signatures, and no voter can endorse more than one independent candidate for the same office.
The bill further provides that, regardless of other laws, any eligible voter or individual qualified to contest an election to the State House of Assembly will have the right to run as an independent candidate.
The bill specifies that an independent candidate must secure verified signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters in two-thirds of the electoral wards within a state constituency.
Addressing journalists, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi stated that the bill aims to further democratize the political space and enhance political participation. He noted that not all Nigerians have the opportunity to be sponsored by political parties, and the bill, when passed into law, would allow such individuals to contest elections.
Ms. Joke Faborode, Chief Executive Officer of Elect Her, added that the organization is providing technical support for the bill’s development.
She said that the support was in line with the mantra of the sponsor which is “leave no one behind” which was in sync with the focus of Electher.
The CEO urged all Nigerians to support the bill, emphasizing that it would create a level playing field for marginalized groups, including women, youth, and People with Disabilities (PWD).
