Direct Primaries: Senate backs down from over-riding Buhari; Lawan gives excuses

After threatening Tuesday to override President Muhammadu Buhari on the electoral amendment bill he refused to sign, the Senate has found reason to simmer down.

With over 70 signatures collected in favour of the veto, the upper house says it will like to consult far and wide.

After a closed session Wednesday, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the Senate discussed the way forward on how to respond to the letter from Mr President on the Electoral Act (Amendment) bill.

“The Senate consequently resolved to consult with the House of Representatives in January when the two chambers will be in full session.”

The lawmakers, according to Lawan, also resolved to consult with their constituents on the way forward, saying they have a role to play.

The House of Representatives suspended the plenary on Tuesday after passing the 2022 budget.

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the House will respond to Buhari’s letter of refusal to assent to the bill, especially because of the direct primary clause.

The president in a letter sent to the federal lawmakers wonder why the NAS removed the indirect primary, and tried to force the direct mode on parties.

The current NASS has been described by many as a rubberstamp of the executive.