“A Bill to Establish the Electoral Offences Tribunal for the purpose of trying Electoral Offences “and “A Bill to Establish the Nigerian Electoral Offences Commission charged with the responsibility of prohibition and prosecution of Electoral Offences “ unanimously passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

Leading debate on the Bills at the House plenary session of 14th June2016, Hon. John Dyegh (APC: Benue) explained that the Bills would enable a mechanism for the prosecution and conviction of electoral offenders and enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process. Hon. Dyegh was also of the view that the Bills would solve some of the deficiencies inherent in Nigerian elections like underage voting, impersonation, disorderly conduct during election, bribery and ballot snatching, amongst others. According to him, some of the functions that the Electoral Offences Tribunal and Commission would be entrusted with include the co-ordination, enforcement and administration of electoral laws, investigation and examination of reported cases of electoral offences; sensitization, enlightenment and the re- orientation of the public on electoral matters.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Francis Charles Uduyok (PDP: Akwa Ibom) highlighted that the Bills would address the problem of inconclusive elections which are often characterized by violence and ensure that Nigeria’s electoral processes conformedwith international best practices.

The Bill has been referred to the House Committee Electoral and Political Matters for further legislative input.