LIVE UPDATES
ABUJA,Nigeria (NAN)- The House of Representatives has commenced efforts to revoke the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)'s authority to oversee and register political parties in Nigeria.
A proposed legislation aimed at creating an autonomous body for the registration, regulation, and funding of political parties in Nigeria successfully passed its second reading in the House on Thursday.
This bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Edo lawmaker Marcus Onobun, seeks to transfer the responsibilities of registering and regulating political parties away from INEC.
Additionally, the proposed legislation aims to establish the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, which would address disputes among political party members. Presenting the bill's general principles, Onobun, representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, stated that the demand for transparency in Nigeria's electoral process has been a prominent topic of public discussion in recent years, as highlighted by the rising number of electoral disputes across all levels.
He emphasized that all parties involved in the electoral process agree that credible elections and good governance cannot be achieved if the electoral process is plagued by irregularities.
He stated, “People believe that election integrity hinges on a free, fair, impartial, and transparent process for registering political parties and conducting elections.”
“Many citizens have justifiably or unjustifiably blamed INEC for electoral irregularities. Regardless of one's stance, it is undeniable that our electoral process requires significant reform. In a nation of over 200 million, INEC seems burdened with the demanding responsibilities of registering political parties, regulating political parties, overseeing coalitions and mergers, while also conducting presidential, National Assembly, gubernatorial, and State Assembly elections.”
“To enhance our electoral system and the management of political parties, it is essential to establish an independent authority responsible for the registration and regulation of political party operations. This will guarantee that registered political parties adhere to constitutional and other legal obligations while allowing INEC to focus on its primary role of conducting elections, thus promoting a more effective, streamlined, and transparent democratic process in Nigeria.”
He outlined the bill's objectives, which include “Establishing an independent entity or authority, known as the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, tasked with the registration and regulation of political parties' activities.”
“The legislation also proposes the formation of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal under clause 35, which will resolve disputes among political party members, between political parties, between independent candidates and political parties, between coalition partners, and handle appeals from the Registrars' decisions under this bill.”
Furthermore, the bill contains Clauses 41 and 42 that impose penalties for violations by political parties and their members, along with punishments for offenders to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of political parties in Nigeria.
Clause 47 of the bill provides for amendments to sections 75 to 81 of the Electoral Act 2022, thereby transferring the registration of political parties away from INEC’s responsibilities. The bill has since been forwarded to the Committees on Electoral Matters and Political Party Matters.
