The Presidency has justified President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to assent to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021.
The issue has generated wide reactions in the polity, especially as the 2023 elections draw close.
In a statement on Tuesday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the components of the Bill were not good for Nigeria at this time.
The Presidential aide stated that it is not true that the amended Electoral Bill was meant to enhance and build upon on democratic processes.
“The President’s decision to withhold assent from the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 has come under scrutiny from media and political circles. This is quite correct because it is a decision that will impact all Nigerians. The President’s Office has decided therefore to issue an official statement to make its position clear.
“Nigeria’s strength as a nation and its status as one of the wealthiest economies in Africa with one of its highest standards of living owes above all to its proud democratic processes, which are enshrined in the Electoral Act of 2010.
“It is this act which the new bill seeks to amend. These amendments have been presented as a means to enhance and build upon our democratic processes. After careful review, the President’s Office has found that the opposite is true.
“Rather, the proposed amendments entail significant legal, financial, economic and security consequences for all Nigerians, principal among which would be a severe spike in the cost of holding primary elections by parties – integral to democracies the world over.
