The Senate has suspended consideration on the report of “A Bill for an Act to amend the Electoral Act, 2010 after failing to arrive at a consensus on a proposed amendment to section 87 of the Electoral Act, No. 6, 2010 by the Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Committee Chairman, Sen. Abubakar Kyari (APC: Borno) presented the report at the plenary session of Thursday, January 19, 2017.

During consideration of the report, the Senate was divided on the Committee’s recommendation in the proposed section 87 (8) that provides for “Automatic Delegates”. The proposed amendment defines “Automatic Delegates” as Presidents and former Presidents, Vice Presidents and former Vice Presidents, Governors and former Governors, Deputy Governors and former Deputy Governors, lawmakers at the Federal and State level, Chairmen of Local Government Areas/Area Councils and Councilors of Wards. Automatic delegates are conferred eligibility to vote in the indirect primaries of a party as a result of their status. A proviso in 87(8)(ii) states however states that “The party shall have the power to determine in its constitution or nomination guidelines and manual, the particular indirect primaries or election to particular elective office(s) that automatic or super delegates shall vote”.

However, following a heated debate on this proviso, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (APC: Kwara) called for a closed-door session after a voice vote failed to break the deadlock. After this, it resolved to suspend further considerations of the report until the Committee reviews and makes further legislative input on the matter.

This is the third time the report is being considered by the Senate.