On Thursday, the House of Representatives took a significant step by passing a bill that seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution, enabling candidates not affiliated with political parties to participate in key elections, including presidential, governorship, and legislative elections.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” aims to revise several sections of the Constitution, specifically sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221. Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House and representative for the Ikole-Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti State, sponsored the bill.
This move coincides with the House’s commitment to expedite the passage of essential legislative items, including the 2025 Appropriation Bill. House leadership has reiterated its focus on enhancing governance and strengthening national security through prompt legislative action.
In a statement released earlier in the week, Akin Rotimi, who also chairs the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, outlined the key legislative priorities for the second year of the 10th Assembly, emphasizing the swift passage of both the Appropriation Bill and the Whistleblower Protection Bill.
