There are strong indications that President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the Electoral Act bill, said Civil Society Partners on Electoral Reform.
The CSOs listed the latest assurances given by the President to the international community at the Biden Summit to guarantee credible elections and his commitment to INEC to provide it with every necessary support as the basis for this assertion.
The group expressed confidence in an open letter to the President while demanding representation of groups at the electoral bill signing ceremony.
“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.
The CSOs made the statement in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, signed by the Executive Director, Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative, 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.
“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.
The CSOs said that they are encouraged by President Buhari’s statement at the Virtual Summit on Democracy organised by President Joe Biden of the United States that he will ensure “elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“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.
Credit: premiumtimesng.com
