Statutory Delegates: Kalu tells Buhari to sign into law amended electoral bill

Former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has appealed to president Muhamadu Buhari to sign into law the amended Electoral Bill on statutory delegates.

Kalu in a statement explained that the position of the federal lawmakers to re-amend that section of the Electoral Act was in agreement with the wishes of Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the bill if signed into law by president Muhamadu Buhari, will allow statutory delegates to vote in conventions and congresses of political parties.

Kalu however said, history will be kind to Buhari if he should sign the bill into law, as he will be remembered for the important role he played to reform the electoral system for the good of all.

The statement read, “I am appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), to sign into law the Amended Bill seeking to enable statutory delegates to vote at the conventions and congresses of political parties which has been passed into law by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

“The position that the federal lawmakers took was in line with the wishes of the majority of Nigerians that they represent.

“Section 84 (8) of the 2022 Electoral Act reads: “A political party that adopts the system of indirect primaries for the choice of its candidate shall clearly outline in its constitution and rule the procedure for the democratic election of delegates to vote at the convention, congress or meeting.”

“With the bill now passed, the aforementioned section is now amended to include statutory delegates.

“As you know, the Constitution recognises a set of people as statutory or automatic delegates and most constitutions of the parties recognize that. People like Mr. President, former governors, NASS members etc. Through judicial interactions, we have found out there is a missing link in 84(8) of the Amended Electoral Act.

“It will disinfranchise people who ordinarily should be automatic delegates. That’s why in the wisdom of the Senate and House of Representatives, there was a little restructuring towards the end of that particular subsection 8 to add to statutory delegates already prescribed in the constitution of the parties. Section 84(8) has been amended to accommodate more people who would have been disinfranchised.

“History will be kind to President Buhari as the man who reformed our electoral system for the good of all.”