Agbakoba writes open letter to Buhari over delay in signing Electoral Act Bill

Olisa Agbakoba, SAN,

A senior lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari concerning the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill 2018.

The rights activist wondered why the bill was yet to be signed by President Buhari three months to the general election.

In the letter obtained by DAILY POST on Wednesday, the lawyer recalled that the late signing of the last Electoral Act (amendment) Bill created much confusion and led to massive rigging during the 2015 general election.

The letter reads: “We are concerned that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 has not been signed into law 3 months into the general election in spite of the fact that it has long been transmitted by the National Assembly.

“The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 is the legal regime for the 2019 election. It is therefore important that every person is familiar with its provisions.

“If you recall, the late signing of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2015 created so much confusion and resulted in widespread electoral malpractices. If you also recall, the late signing resulted in conflicting decisions in the courts, especially on the use of card readers.

“The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018 was passed by the National Assembly to address all the challenges created by the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2015. It is therefore important that you sign into law, the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018.

“This will enable INEC, political parties and the courts discharge their responsibilities effectively.

“Please accept assurances of our highest regards.”