by Usman Alabi
The bill seeks to establish a commission to be called “Nigerian Political Debates Commission” which would be responsible for the organization of debates for all candidates of registered Political Parties cleared by INEC to participate in election into the offices of the president and vice president of the country as well as governor and deputy governor of a state.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North)
EXPECTED FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
- Conduct debates for candidates vying for offices of the President, Vice President, Governor and deputy governor
- To strengthen the electoral process thereby advancing Nigeria’s democracy
- Creates a platform that would encourage Nigerians to vote on ideological lines and not on ethnic or religious basis
- Create a veritable platform that distills information about candidates for political offices so as to encourage citizens to make informed choices
Likely Implications of the Bill if passed
Candidates would now be compelled by law to attend debate
The Commission would be partisan since it is a government establishment
The commission would be funded by the government
Status of the Bill: The bill has scaled second reading and has been referred to the Senate committees on Establishment and Public Service in collaboration with the Senate committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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