House of Representatives Passes Constitution Amendment Bill for First Reading

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed a bill amending the 1999 Constitution for the first reading.

The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Allow for the Participation of Candidates Who Are Not Sponsored by Political Parties in the Presidential, Governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Council Elections”, seeks to expand electoral participation beyond candidates sponsored by political parties.

The bill, sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House and representative of the Ikole-Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti State, aims to amend key sections of the Constitution, including sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221.

The amendment would open the door for independent candidates to contest elections across all tiers of government.

If passed, the legislation would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape by providing a platform for individuals who may not be affiliated with political parties to run for office, a move seen by some as a step towards broadening democratic participation and reducing the stronghold of political party structures.

In a related development, the House has also assured the public of the quick passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The leadership of the House emphasised its commitment to expediting the passage of key legislative measures, including the Appropriation Bill and the Whistleblower Protection Bill.

A statement issued on Monday by Akin Rotimi, who also serves as the chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, outlined the legislative priorities for the second year of the 10th Assembly.

These priorities include strengthening good governance, improving national security, and promoting transparency through the Whistleblower Protection Bill.

The House leadership has expressed its determination to work diligently on these bills to ensure they are passed promptly, thereby addressing crucial issues in the nation.