A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 cap C23 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, to Establish and Empower the Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission to Register, Regulate, and Monitor the Organization and Operation of Political Parties; and for Related Matters

Abstract

This Bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to establish the Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission (PPRRC) and empower it to register, regulate and monitor political parties in Nigeria. Currently, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) performs these functions. However, the Commission is overburdened with its constitutional responsibilities of conducting all elections in Nigeria and continuous voter registration and education. Establishing a separate body like the PPRRC will help focus attention and resources on effectively managing political parties, which playa crucial role in Nigeria's democratic process. Regulating their finances, internal democracy, party primaries and general conduct is essential to ensure order, transparency and a level playing field. Effective oversight will also encourage internal reforms by political parties and strengthen their organizational structures nationwide. Therefore, the PPRRC is proposed to be empowered by law to take over political party regulatory functions from INEC. This will enable both bodies to optimally discharge their complimentary yet distinct mandates of electoral management and political party administration, thereby deepening Nigeria's democracy.