Addressing state house correspondents on Monday, the senior special assistant to the president (senate) on national assembly matters Ita Enang, said the president's decision is due to some drafting issues that remain unaddressed following the prior revisions to the bill.

Enang further explained that clause 87 (14) states that the dates for the primaries shall not be earlier than 120 days and not later than 90 days before the date of elections to the offices.

He noted that neither the constitution nor any written law allows a president or a governor to whom the bill is forwarded by the legislature to edit, correct, amend or in any manner alter the provisions of any such bill to reflect appropriate intent before assenting to same.

Enang insisted that the president is to assent in the manner it is or to withhold assent.

The presidential aide expressed optimism that the president may assent to the bill as he has invited the senate and the House of Representatives to address these issues as quickly as possible.