A bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act, 2022, which proposed making it mandatory for individuals transferring their voter registration data to reside in their new constituency for at least two months, faced a setback in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Sponsored by Abiodun Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency under the All Progressive Congress (APC), the proposed legislation aimed to introduce new provisions ensuring residency requirements for voter data transfer.
Titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend Section 13 of the Electoral Act, 2022,’ the bill encountered opposition during its second reading at plenary, leading to its postponement.
Opposing the bill, Kelechi Nwogu, representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Rivers State, expressed concerns that the proposed amendment could disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly due to the requirement of proving residency through utility bills.
Despite acknowledging the bill’s good intentions, Nwogu suggested removing the provision mandating proof of residence via utility bills, citing challenges faced by tenants who may not have utility bills in their name.
In response to the concerns raised, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu ruled to step down the bill for further legislative scrutiny. He advised the sponsor to make necessary adjustments before reintroducing the bill for consideration by the House.
