The House of Representatives has passed for first reading a Bill that allows independent candidates to participate in all elections.
The constitution alteration bill to amend the 1999 Constitution sponsored by Hon. Akin Rotimi passed the first reading at the plenary on Thursday.
The synopsis of the Bill shows that an independent candidate is expected to get the endorsement of at least 10 percent of registered voters spread across at least two-thirds of the constituency.
The signatures of such voters are expected to be verified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or the State Independent Electoral Commission in the case of local government elections, while no voter is allowed to write the name of another person.
The bill seems to amend sections 7, 65 106, and 221 among others, while also seeking to establish a desk in INEC to coordinate independent candidacy within the commission.
Speaking to newsmen, Rotimi explained that it was time for qualified individuals who lack sponsorship from political parties to have the opportunity to run as independent candidates in elections.
He was of the opinion that even though he was sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC), there are several Nigerians who don’t have such opportunities.
Rotimi added that even in advanced democracies with stronger political parties, people have been encouraged to contest elections as independent candidates.
He said to qualify to contest the main election, independent candidates would be required to meet certain thresholds such as getting the endorsement of a certain number of registered voters in the area he wants to represent.