There were strong indications last night that the House of Representatives has approved the participation by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) especially in the Northeast in the next month’s elections.
The House may also recall its members for the passage of the amendments to the 2010 Electoral Act.
The House said last night that it had concluded work on the 2014 Electoral Bill but it is waiting for the Senate to complete its part.
A principal officer in the House, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have approved the recommendation that IDPs should vote during the general elections. They will vote in their various camps.
“We decided to enfranchise the IDPs in order to give them a sense of belonging like every Nigerian. The fact that they have been displaced should not amount to the denial of their fundamental human rights.
The House of Representatives also yesterday said it had concluded work on the 2014 Electoral Act.
The Act is the most important legislation needed for the successful conduct of the 2015 general election.
A statement issued by the Office of Speaker of the House said the bill for an amendment to the 2010 electoral was sent to the National Assembly by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on December 30, 2014.
The statement said the House is awaiting the passage of a similar bill by the Senate.
“Already, a conference committee has been set up by the House in anticipation of the passage of the bill by the Senate.
“If need be, the members of the House will be recalled from recess for further legislative input,” the statement added.
