Bill to Allow Independent Candidates to Compete in Elections Passes First Reading

Nigeria's House of Representatives passed a bill amending the 1999 Constitution for its first reading.

The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Allow for the Participation of Candidates Who Are Not Sponsored by Political Parties in the Presidential, Governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Council Elections,” aims to significantly broaden electoral participation.

Sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House and representative of the Ikole-Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti State, the bill seeks to amend sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221 of the Constitution.

This legislative move is seen as a pivotal step towards more inclusive elections, allowing independent candidates to compete without the backing of established political parties.

In addition to this groundbreaking bill, the House of Representatives has also committed to accelerating the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill and the Whistleblower Protection Bill.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance governance and improve national security, as highlighted in a statement issued by Akin Rotimi, chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.