The plenary session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday turned rowdy over an attempt to clarify that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not required to compulsorily observe political parties’ conventions, congresses, conferences, or meetings.
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The development followed a motion of personal explanation moved by the member representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe (YPP).
Uzokwe sought interpretation of Section 82 of the Electoral Act 2022, which states, among other things, that “INEC may, with or without prior notice to the political party, attend and observe any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened by a political party.”
The sole Young Progressives Party (YPP) lawmaker in the House aimed to correct the misconception that INEC must be present at all party conventions and meetings.
Upon raising the matter, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen asked whether it was an internal issue of the House. Uzokwe replied in the negative, saying, “It is something that relates to our electoral law, the law that we, in conjunction with Nigerians, made to guide our elections and conduct, not the members,” and the Speaker allowed him to proceed.
Uzokwe said, “When we go out, the impression people have is that INEC must be present at conventions and congresses of parties. But it is not in our law. Section 82(1) reads: Notice of convention and congresses…”
Speaker Abbas interjected, reminding Uzokwe that the House is currently amending the Electoral Act and that such matters should be raised during the dedicated session.
“A session is going to be dedicated very soon to review all clauses and proposed amendments. So, in light of what we have before us, we don’t need to discuss anything about the Electoral Act now. Wait until the amendments are addressed,” he said.
He added, “By next week, all areas seen as defective will be brought before us for finalization. Any matter on the Electoral Act should be suspended until then. The Senate and House have agreed to address all amendments concurrently.”
Despite the Speaker’s repeated appeals, Uzokwe insisted on being heard, prompting back-and-forth exchanges that, combined with Points of Order raised by other members, made the session rowdy.
Rising on a point of order, the member representing Eleme/Oyigbo/Tai Federal Constituency of Rivers State said controversial matters cannot be entertained under personal explanation.
“By the indulgence of the House and the leave of the Speaker, a member may make a personal explanation, but no controversial matter may be debated,” he said.
Agreeing, Speaker Abbas stated, “A matter is controversial only if the Speaker deems it so. But we should suspend discussion on electoral issues since a session dedicated to that is coming very soon. Honourable Ifeanyi, please take note.”
Uzokwe responded, “I have heard you, Mr. Speaker, but I have not said what I want to say. It is so serious that it is damaging our reputation outside.”
Speaker Abbas replied, “Please, sit down. Be mature. This is a serious place, and we should not exhibit anger over simple issues.”
In his intervention, Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi from Lagos State reminded the Speaker that Uzokwe’s matter was a constitutional issue that deserved attention.
“Mr. Speaker, Section 4 of the Constitution gives us the right to discuss constitutional matters. Standing law is subsidiary; the Constitution supersedes it. The issues raised by Honourable Ifeanyi are legal matters, and the House has the right to hear him out,” he said.
Abbas concluded, “Nobody is denying Honourable Ifeanyi the right to speak on this matter, but I appeal that we wait for the Deputy Speaker to present the comprehensive amendments to the Electoral Act.”
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