The House of Representatives has voted against a proposal to criminalise the financial inducement of delegates during party primaries.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision came on Thursday during a clause-by-clause review of the report seeking amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
The rejected clause proposed that anyone who offers cash or material benefits to delegates to influence the outcome of party primaries, congresses, or conventions would face two years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
Presiding officer Benjamin Kalu called for a voice vote, and lawmakers unanimously opposed the measure.
While rejecting the anti-inducement clause, the House approved stricter penalties for offences involving ballot papers and election materials.
The approved provisions make it an offence to print ballot papers or result forms without proper authorisation from INEC, or to possess them unlawfully during ongoing elections.
The law also penalises the manufacture, import, possession, or use of ballot boxes or related appliances designed to secretly place, divert, or manipulate ballots. Convicted offenders face a maximum fine of N75 million, a minimum of 10 years imprisonment, or both.
