The Civil Society Partners on Electoral Reform have said that there are strong indications that President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the Electoral Act Bill into law very soon.
The group expressed its confidence in an open letter to the President, while demanding for representation of groups at the Electoral Bill signing ceremony.
The CSOs made the statement in an open letter to President Buhari yesterday, signed by the ‘Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative, Executive Director, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, Maryam Ahmed, of Centre for Liberty, Jude Feranmi, of Raising New Voices, Ken Eze, of ‘Speak Out Africa Initiative’ and Simi Olusola, of The Nigerian Alliance.
The letter read, amongst others: “We write on behalf of millions of Nigerians to urge you to invite the representatives of critical stakeholders to the Electoral Act signing ceremony.
“We are confident that this week of your birthday will avail you of the opportunity to renew your pact with Nigerians and sign the Electoral Amendment Bill into law.
“Mr. President, your invitation to the representatives of youth and women groups, people living with disabilities, and the civil society to grace the Electoral Bill signing ceremony will go a long way in assuring Nigerians and the International community of your commitment to inclusive participation in our democratic process,” said the partners.
It may interest you to know, Mr. President, that the Biden administration is already facing some criticism for its guest list for the virtual summit, and Nigeria is fingered as one of the “nations with spotty records on democracy, the rule of law and human rights,” as reported by the international media.
“We are glad that you used the occasion of the global summit to state unequivocally that democratic rule in the West African sub-region is currently being threatened by an undemocratic takeover of government by the military.
That is why Mr. President must be mindful of a few political merchants asking you not to sign the electoral bill because their greedy hold on the political parties will be threatened. They do not mean well.
The CSOs said that they are encouraged by President’s statement at the Virtual Summit on Democracy, organised by the United States
President, Joe Biden, that he will ensure ‘elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner’.
