Direct Primary: Date set this week to over-ride Buhari; close to 80 senators already in

To over-ride President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Assembly needs two-thirds of both chambers to sign on. The likelihood is getting stronger by the hour—since he declined assent to the amended Electoral Bill they expected him to sign to law.

Buhari was particular about the direct primary clause which he chalked up as unconstitutional, and unsafe for Nigeria now.

The NASS—and some APC governors—disagree.

They couldn’t hide their disappointment as Sen. Presiident Ahmed Lawan read Buhari’s letter to the chamber Tuesday.

And quorum will be formed Wednesday to veto the president.

Senator Thompson Sekibo, representing Rivers East Senatorial district and Chairman, Senate Committee Chairman on Nigeria Navy in an interview confirmed that signatures of lawmaker were being collated already.

And no fewer than 73 of the 109 members have signed on.

Sekibo described as a huge disappointment Buhari’s failure to assent to the amendment bill.

Other senators have also expressed interest in over-riding the president—the first time in about six years of what many describe as rubberstamp ninth assembly.

“We are 109 in number and I can vouch for myself and many others that we form the required number in tomorrow’s plenary to override President Buhari,” a senator said.

“Remember that it’s not only direct or indirect primary election that was amended. There are several other items that are of immense benefit to the political developments of the nation.”

He further said they may convene an emergency meeting of northern Senators before tomorrow to convince others to see reasons.

CSOs, rights lawyers, and others called on the NASS to over-ride Buhari while he was dillydallying about the assent in the last 30 days.