Senate goes into closed door session over electoral amendment bill rejected by Buhari

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday went into a closed door session to discuss the rejection of the electoral act by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Buhari was reported to have rejected the amendment bill over direct primary clause inserted in the draft law.

Although he cited cost, security and rights violations of the clause as his reason for withholding his assent, it is reported that he acted on the advice of All Progressive Congress (APC) state governors who are expected to lose influence they have on the party should he had given his accent.

At the plenary, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, after taking the opening prayers, announced that the red chamber will be going into a closed door session to discuss the matter.

It is unlikely that the national assembly under Mr Lawan, though constitutionally empowered, will override the president’s veto going by the antecedents of the lawmaking arm under his leadership.

The appropriation bill of next year is also expected to be passed today before the lawmakers proceed on forthcoming holidays.