The House of Representatives has passed a bill on its first reading aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to allow independent candidates to contest in future elections. This landmark bill seeks to alter existing laws to permit individuals not affiliated with any political party to run for elective positions in Nigeria.

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 proposed legislation has sparked considerable interest across the country.

The bill is sponsored by Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House and representative of the Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency in Ekiti State. Rotimi’s proposal aims to amend key sections of the constitution, including Sections 7, 65, 106, 131, 177, and 221, which currently require all candidates to be backed by registered political parties.

The bill’s passage on its first reading signals the beginning of the legislative process that could potentially transform Nigeria’s political landscape, allowing for more inclusive electoral participation. Independent candidates have long been seen as a way to diversify the pool of individuals running for office, potentially giving voters more choices outside of the dominant political parties.

With the bill now moving to the next stage of the legislative process, there is growing anticipation about its potential impact on future elections and Nigeria’s democratic development.