Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has threatened to challenge the recently passed Electoral Amendment bill in court if President Muhammadu Buhari goes ahead to sign it.
Governor Wike issued the threat on Thursday while delivering his address at the special court session in Port to mark the beginning of the 2021-2022 Legal year.
The Governor faulted the amendment of clause 87 of the electoral act which mandates political parties to use the direct mode of primaries in electing candidates for elections.
Wike said political parties should be allowed to conduct their affairs the way they deem fit. ” if Mr. president assents it, we will challenge it in court as regards the issue of direct primaries”.
“We believe that it is an interference of internal affairs of a political party. Every party should be left on a choice on how to elect their own candidate”.
This is coming a few days after the Senate and the House of representatives both approved the report of the conference committee on the 2010 Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
There are indications that the bill will be transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari next Monday for his assent.