Senate in closed session over Buhari’s rejection of electoral bill

The senate is currently in a closed session deliberating on the rejection of the electoral act amendment bill by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The decision of the upper legislative chamber to deliberate Buhari’s rejection of the proposed law followed a motion by Thompson Sekibo, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator from Rivers state.

The president’s rejection was contained in a letter read on the floors of the senate and house of representatives on Tuesday.

In the letter, Buhari said the amendment may open up the electoral system to a plethora of litigations based on diverse grounds and issues of law, adding that adopting direct primary violates the spirit of democracy.

Compulsory direct primaries for political parties and electronic transmission of election results are among the amendments proposed by the national assembly.

While moving his motion, Sekibo said there is a need for the senate to take a decision on the development before they embark on the Christmas break.

“It is my opinion that the senate dissolve into a closed-door session and discuss on it so that can take appropriate decision on it before we go for our Christmas,” he said.

“So, I submit that the senate – before we take the budget – dissolves into committee of the whole in closed session to discuss it and take a decision.”

TheCable understands that the Sekibo is leading a pack of opposition lawmakers who are mulling on overriding the president.