
The House of Representatives in Nigeria has renewed its commitment to pass the Independent Candidacy Bill, aiming for its implementation in the 2027 general elections.
This legislative effort is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing Nigeria's political system by allowing individuals to run for office without the backing of political parties.

The bill, officially titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” has successfully passed its second reading in the House.
Sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House and chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the bill was reintroduced after its first reading on September 26, 2024. It has been recommitted to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further consideration.
Rotimi emphasized the bill's importance, stating, "This legislative action is pivotal for the continued evolution of our democracy. It recognizes the constitutional significance of offering citizens the option to run for public office independently, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity."
The bill proposes amendments to Section 7 of the Principal Act, introducing new subsections that would allow eligible individuals to contest elections without party affiliation, provided they secure verified signatures from a large portion of registered voters.
Specifically, for a Chairmanship election, candidates must obtain signatures from at least 10 percent of registered voters across two-thirds of electoral wards in their local government area. Similarly, for Councillorship elections, candidates need signatures from 10 percent of voters in two-thirds of polling units within their electoral wards.
Rotimi also highlighted the challenges faced by the bill since its introduction in the 7th Assembly, noting that much opposition stems from misunderstandings. To address this, a new website has been launched to provide detailed clarifications and engage the public, aiming to clear misconceptions about the bill's technical aspects.
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