A bill seeking to create 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 sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and lawmaker Marcus Onobun, the bill aims to establish a dispute tribunal and regulate political party funding and the proper use of these funds.

The legislation also seeks to promote transparency and ensure the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.

Currently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) handles these roles, but the bill proposes to transfer them to the new authority.

The proposal comes amid concerns about the independence and neutrality of INEC, which has been criticized by figures such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega due to political interference in the commission’s appointments. INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has also called for the creation of an Electoral Offences Tribunal to expedite the handling of electoral violations, citing delays in justice due to the current court system.