Direct Primary: Full text of Buhari’s letter declining assent

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has read President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter on declining of assent to the Electoral Act amendment bill.

Gbajabiamila read the letter dated December 13, 2021.

“I have received informed advice from relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies of the government, and have also carefully reviewed the Bill in the light of the current realities prevalent in the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the circumstances.

“Arising from the review, Rt Honourable Speaker may wish to note that, the conduct of elections for the nomination of party candidates solely via direct primaries as envisaged by the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 has serious adverse, legal, financial, economic and security consequences which cannot be accommodated at the moment considering our nation’s peculiarities.”

Gbajabiamila made effort to sway Buhari to assent to the bill legislating for direct primaries

For the first time in the sweetheart relationship between the presidency and the NASS, Buhari refused to play ball.