Electoral Amendment Bill: ‘Avoid supremacy battle’ warns Chieftain

A three-time governorship candidate and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, Gboyega Isiaka, has cautioned the presidency and the National Assembly against supremacy battle over the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. 

Isiaka, the chairman of the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, stated this while speaking with reporters in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He urged that better reasoning should prevail in the final determination of the contentious matter.

He said although the matter was political, it is also constitutional, primarily as it affects the rights of individuals, groups and political parties.

He called on the Presidency and National Assembly not to allow the Amendment bill to become a supremacy battle; he advocated a medley of options for the National Assembly to reconsider.

He said, “The singular clause of direct primaries now threatens the whole bill containing other plausible amendments.

“I have observed the argument for and against the direct primaries, and for me, I think there are merits on both sides. I believe that the guardians of every democracy must seek to improve its electoral process. An abiding part of that is to ensure inclusiveness, which the direct primaries seek to provide. It is a sentiment I share.

“Nevertheless, we must look into our peculiarities and see if, indeed, our political parties can deal with the complexities of such a process. I think it may be too soon for us to insist on direct primaries for all parties – which may not be infallible considering the attitude of political players in this clime.

“I would rather suggest that each political party adopt a process that is convenient for it, either direct primaries or the delegate system. That way, the right of everyone is protected.”

Suzan O./VANG