In preparation for the 2027 general elections, the House of Representatives has introduced a website aimed at boosting public awareness and engagement on the Independent Candidacy Bill. The initiative is part of efforts to deepen political participation and address misconceptions surrounding the bill.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Rep. Akin Rotimi (APC-Ekiti), spokesperson for the House, highlighted the importance of the bill, which seeks to amend the constitution to accommodate independent candidates in elections. He explained that Nigeria, having gone through seven electoral cycles since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, needs to strengthen its democratic process as it approaches the eighth electoral cycle.
Rotimi noted that the bill is undergoing a robust review process, involving multiple stakeholders. He said the bill has been recommitted to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further scrutiny and feedback from both legislators and the general public.
“This is a crucial bill that requires thorough examination and input from various stakeholders,” Rotimi said. “We have done extensive advocacy and have received positive feedback from the public.”
The newly launched website will serve as an information hub, particularly focusing on clarifying misconceptions about the bill.
Rotimi, who is also the bill’s sponsor, mentioned that the Independent Candidacy Bill was initially introduced during the 7th Assembly and continued through the 8th and 9th Assemblies. However, it did not gain full support from stakeholders at the time.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the bill represents a significant step toward reforming Nigeria’s electoral system by allowing independent candidates to run for office, thereby broadening the scope of political participation in the country.
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