An aspirant for the Ogun Central senatorial district in the forthcoming 2027 elections, Muraina Banjoko, on Wednesday applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the 2022 repeal and enactment electoral bill into law.
Banjoko described the legislation as a bold and progressive step that will and restore credibility to the electoral process and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
President Tinubu yesterday signed the controversial bill into law in the presence of his staff and the principal officers of the national assembly following weeks of altercation over clause 60 which contained provisions for manual transmission of election results from the polling unit as against compulsory electronic and real-time transmission being advocated by many Nigerians.
The new electoral law introduces several reforms notably the elimination of delegate system, which previously allowed a small group of party delegates to determine party candidates. With this change, the power to select candidates now lies directly with registered party members, a move that will reduce the influence of political godfathers.
According to Banjoko, “This law will help our elections and democracy. By removing the delegate system, the power to decide who represents the party now rests squarely with all party members. It is a bold step that will reduce manipulation and give voice to the grassroots. I commend our leader, Mr. President on this effort.”
The philanthropist popularly known as Threeco in business and political circles further urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun Central to take advantage of the reform by actively participating in the selection process.
He emphasized that the responsibility now rests with party members to “elect credible and popular candidates who will represent their interests and uphold the values of the APC”.
“With this law, the future of our party and our democracy is in the hands of the people. I call on APC members in Ogun Central to brace up, participate actively, and ensure that the right candidates emerge. This is our chance to shape the destiny of our district and Nigeria at large,” he added.
