Without presidential assent, the legislature can pass a bill into law with the votes of ______ majority

Analyze the question: The question asks about the legislature overriding a presidential veto. If the President refuses assent to a bill, the legislature can still make it law by a special majority vote.

Concept: Under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Section 58), a bill becomes law when the President gives assent. If the President withholds assent within 30 days, the National Assembly can override the veto. This requires a two-thirds majority of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Step-by-step solution:

1. A bill is passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
2. It goes to the President for assent.
3. If the President refuses within 30 days, the bill is not dead.
4. The National Assembly can re-pass it with a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
5. The bill then becomes law without presidential assent.

Checking the options:

• A. One-fifth: far too small, so not valid.
• B. Two-third: matches Section 58(5) of the Constitution. ✔
• C. One-third: a minority, so it cannot override a veto.
• D. Absolute (more than 50%): enough to pass an ordinary bill, but not enough to override a veto.

Answer: B. Two-third

Exam tip: Remember "Veto override = Two-thirds." Ordinary bill = simple majority. Veto override or constitutional amendment = special (two-thirds) majority. JAMB often tests this contrast.