Don\’t politicise electoral bill, Presidency warns Nigerians

The Presidency on Monday warned Nigerians clamouring for signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari against politicising the matter.

Recall that the National Assembly forwarded the reworked electoral bill to the President on January 31 but the President is yet to ascent to it.

However, some groups including the civil liberty organisations have demanded the signing of the document by the President Buhari or would embark on protest.

Reacting, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the agitations were unnecessary and warned the groups against pollicising the matter.

The statement read: “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.”