The Senate has passed for second reading, an Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB 176) which seeks to empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct public debates for all candidates vying for the Office of the President, Vice President, Governor, Deputy Governor.

Leading the debate on the Bill at the plenary session of Thursday, 19 March 2020, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (APC: Oyo) informed lawmakers that the idea of conducting public debates is now common practice during election campaigns across the world with substantial benefits for voters. For instance, he explained it increases citizens’ and voter’s knowledge on the candidate’s areas of national priorities and interests; provides voters with additional information about the candidates and ensures that the candidates have in-depth knowledge about a wide range of critical issues.

Sen. Buhari stated that the Bill if passed, will strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system as candidates will be evaluated and elected based on their ideologies, communication skills, and personalities rather than on ethnic and religious affiliations. Although several lawmakers spoke in support of the Bill, others were of the view that other stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations should be empowered to conduct the debates to ensure transparency.

The Bill has subsequently been referred to its Committee on INEC for further legislative action.