Direct Primary: Buhari hesitates, may breach NASS-executive cordial relationship

As the National Assembly and exponents of direct primary await the executive assent to a section of the Electoral Act (Direct Primary) the federal lawmakers amended, President Muhammadu Buhari has showed some hesitancy.

It is about the first instance of sluggishness in the six-year-long relationship between the legislative arm many call a rubber stamp, and the executive.

He has thus written a letter INEC seeking advice.

The letter addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, sought comments on the controversial sole adoption of direct primary option for parties to produce candidates for elections among other key issues ahead of 2023 general elections.

Presidential media aide Garba Shehu stated earlier in an interview with the Punch that the President will consult with those who he believes are important to his decision and who can advise him on the Electoral Act.

“But I cannot draw boundaries or name specifics and say this is who the President might meet. He ultimately decides,” he said.

Rt. Hon. Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and Sen. President Ahmed Lawan have lobbied Buhari to sign the bill into law, though some governors and lawmakers, in both the APC and PDP, object to its passage.

The president has until December 19 to sign it or communicate to the National Assembly his feelings and comments about the bill.

If he then fails to sign it 30 days after, the NASS can over-ride him with two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.

The bill then becomes a law.