Atiku urges lawmakers to review ballot paper rules
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to amend Section 63 of the Electoral Act. He argues that allowing ballot papers without official marks to be counted at the discretion of returning officers could threaten election credibility. Atiku Abubakar emphasized that such legal ambiguity undermines the integrity of the electoral process. He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and international observers to ensure stricter standards in Nigeria’s elections.
Key takeaways
- Atiku Abubakar criticized Section 63 of the Electoral Act, saying it allows for manipulation by letting returning officers decide on the validity of unmarked ballot papers.
- He stated that the clause is not new but was carried over from previous electoral laws without adequate safeguards.
- Atiku Abubakar called for the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen its guidelines to prevent subjective judgment by electoral officers.
- He urged the international community and election observers to monitor Nigeria’s electoral legal framework closely.
- Atiku Abubakar also said that President Bola Tinubu has a responsibility to rigorously review critical legislation before signing it into law, referencing the signing of the Electoral Act on February 18.
