The House of Representatives has rejected a proposal to criminalise the inducement of delegates during party primaries, voting it down during clause by clause consideration of amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 on Thursday. The provision sought to impose a two year jail term without the option of a fine on anyone found guilty of financially or materially influencing delegates.
The clause, which was listed as Clause 89(4) in the amendment report, proposed punishment for individuals who induce delegates to influence the outcome of party primaries, congresses or conventions. However, lawmakers unanimously voted against it after the presiding officer, Benjamin Kalu, called for a voice vote.
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Meanwhile, the House approved separate provisions introducing stricter penalties for ballot related offences, including illegal printing or possession of ballot papers and result forms. Under the approved clauses, offenders face fines of up to seventy five million naira, prison terms of at least ten years, or both, for manipulating ballot papers, result forms or election materials.
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