Reps consider bill to allow independent candidates stand for elections

The house of representatives. is considering a bill to allow independent candidates to contest elective offices during elections.

The bill was recommitted to the committee on constitutional review during the plenary session on Thursday.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari declined assent to the bill when it was passed during the ninth assembly.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house, intends to amend sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177 and 221 of the 1999 constitution.

The bill proposes that for any citizen to contest the presidential election as an independent candidate, they must obtain the verified signatures of at least 20 percent of registered voters from each of the 36 states.

The bill provides that any citizen willing to contest national assembly elections must obtain the verified signatures of at least 20 percent of registered voters from each of the LGAs in the respective senatorial district or federal constituency.

The national assembly is currently amending the 1999 constitution and is expected to complete the process in December 2025.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ibijoke Faborode, the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of ElectHER, said the recommittal of the bill is a progressive milestone.

She added that the bill will significantly shape the future of the country’s democracy if the bill is passed into law.