Bill Seeking to Allow Simultaneous Conduct of Presidential, Governorship, Assembly Elections on Same Day, Passes Second Reading

Israel Adeleke 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that amid speculations of Tinubu's plans to monopolise the Nigerian political system of government, a bill seeking amendment of the 1999 Constitution to allow the conduct of presidential, governorship, National Assembly, state assembly, and local government elections on the same day has passed a second reading at the House of Representatives.

OTN News further reports as gathered that the bill, which was sponsored by a lawmaker from Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, and 35 others, was presented by the House leader, Julius Ihonvbere, during plenary on Tuesday.

The bill was reportedly to have been passed alongside 38 other constitution alteration bills meant to address several challenges in the country’s political, security and electoral landscape.

OTN News observes that the bill proposes an amendment to section 116 of the constitution seeking to allow simultaneous conduct of all elections into the offices of president, governors, National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, and local government areas to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in tandem with the Electoral Act.

However, OTN further reports that after overwhelming support from lawmakers, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.

The current bill and many others form part of broader moves by the National Assembly to review the 1999 Constitution.

OTN News recalls that in February, the Senate and the House of Representatives inaugurated special committees on the review of the constitution, vowing to address the shortcomings that led to the failure of past constitution amendments in the country.

They also promised to work closely with other arms of government to ensure a seamless, transparent and speedy process.

However, Nigerians await what will become the new proposed bill, if the system will move in support of it or kick against it.