The House of Representatives has turned down a proposal seeking to criminalise the inducement of delegates during party primaries.
The decision was taken on Thursday, December 18, during a clause-by-clause review of a report proposing amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
The rejected provision sought to impose a two-year prison sentence, with no option of a fine, on anyone found to have financially or materially induced delegates to influence the outcome of party primaries, congresses, or conventions.
Clause 89(4) of the amendment report had stipulated that any person who induces a delegate for the purpose of swaying party primary outcomes would be committing an offence punishable by two years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
However, the proposal was unanimously defeated through a voice vote after it was put to the House by the presiding officer, Benjamin Kalu.
Delegate inducement through cash or material gifts remains a widespread practice in Nigerian party primaries, largely due to the delegate-based system that concentrates decision-making power in the hands of a few party members.
Despite rejecting the inducement clause, lawmakers approved stricter penalties for offences involving ballot papers and election materials.
Under the approved amendments, any person who unlawfully prints ballot papers or result forms, prints quantities beyond what is authorised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, or is found in possession of such materials during voting without legal justification commits an offence.
The House also endorsed severe sanctions for individuals who manufacture, import, possess, supply, or use ballot boxes or related devices designed to secretly insert, divert, or manipulate ballot papers or results.
Offenders under these provisions will face penalties of up to ₦75 million in fines, a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.
