A bill for an act to provide for the establishment of an independent authority for the registration, regulation, and funding of political parties in Nigeria has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill seeks to establish a dispute tribunal and regulate the funding of political parties, as well as the utilisation of such funds.
Sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, and another lawmaker, Marcus Onobun, the bill also aims to promote transparency and a stable democracy.
At present, there are 19 registered political parties in Nigeria. The responsibilities proposed for the new independent authority are currently carried out by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.