The Nigerian Consolidation Ambassadors Network has called on President Muhammad Buhari not to sign the Electoral Act Amendment recently passed by the National Assembly as it contained provisions which had infringed on party independence and undermine the supremacy of Nigeria’s constitution.
According to the group, the amendments made by the National Assembly were inimical to Nigeria’s democratic growth and were in application contrary to the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement by the National Coordinator and the National Publicity Secretary, Sunusi Musa, and Abubakar Usman, respectively, NCAN highlighted that provisions of Section 9, which seek to alter the principal Act if allowed may create hardship for political parties to substitute candidates in the events of death or withdrawal of candidate nominated.
Noting that the amendment, which requires parties to conduct fresh primaries within seven days did not take cognisance of the tedious processes involved, which would include sales of forms and screening of candidates, which would be impossible to finish in seven days.