The Senate have  decided to back down on overriding President Muhammad Buhari veto as earlier threatened, saying they need to consult their constituents. The President who refused assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, stated that mandatory direct primaries will cause legal, financial, and security challenge which is of great concern.

Senate backs down on overriding Buhari over Electoral Act Bill.

Senator Ahmad Lawan, who is the Senate President, after an executive sitting, said the lawmakers had decided to take the President’s refusal of assent to the bill to their constituencies during the Christmas and New Year holidays before decisions will be taken on the next line of action.

Femi Gabajabiamila, who is the leader to the House of Representatives, had said the matter will be treated properly after the Christmas and the New Year holiday is over. As a matter of fact, the Leadership of the House, was waiting on the Senate to override President Muhammadu Buhari, in other for the House of Representatives to follow.

Senator Ahmed Lawan, stated that, the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (amended) do not permit the chamber to exclusively take actions on overriding the President veto in the absence of the House. Going further, Senator Ahmed Lawan, also stated that conclusions will be reached, after the both chambers returned from the Christmas and New year break.

According to him. “Presently, the House of Reps has gone or recess and like we all know, the constitutional provision is for the Senate and House of Representatives to jointly take the appropriate action.

“The Senate also resolved to consult with our constituents during our recess in January. The Senate believes that our constituents have a role to play as the major stakeholders in the laws that we make in the National Assembly.”

Senator Ahmed Lawan also spoke about the closed session, he said, “The Senate, in a closed session, deliberated on matters relevant to the workings of the Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general. The Senate, also in the closed session, discussed how to respond to the letter from Mr. President on the electoral bill amendment.”

“The Senate consequently resolved to consult with the House of Representatives in January when both the Senate and House will be in session”. A lawmaker also said, in the letter written to the National Assembly by the President, the lawmakers were not advised to send an amended version.”

The lawmaker further stated, “The President rejected four electoral bills from the 8th National Assembly and has now rejected one from the 9th Assembly. It is obvious that he does not have any problem with the current Act. If he did, a bill would have originated from the Presidency requesting an amendment.

“From 2022, we will not be sitting as regularly as we should because members will be visiting their constituencies for empowerment ahead of elections. From what we decided at the House, we will not be seeking any further amendment. Besides, the President did not expressly state that he will sign the bill once we remove the provision for direct primaries.”