The House of Representatives has passed a bill on its first reading aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to permit independent candidates to contest in future elections. The proposed legislation, if passed, would allow individuals not affiliated with political parties to run for elective offices at all levels of government.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) to Allow for the Participation of Candidates Who Are Not Sponsored by Political Parties in the Presidential, Governorship, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Council Elections”, the bill seeks to expand electoral participation beyond political party frameworks.

The bill, sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the House and representative of Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti State, proposes amendments to Sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221 of the constitution.

If enacted, this amendment would be a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, offering opportunities for individuals without party affiliation to run for the presidency, governorships, and seats in the National Assembly, State Assemblies, and local government councils.