SENATE
Picnews
The Nigerian Senate’s failure to conclude the Electoral Act amendment has sparked concerns about the country’s readiness for the 2027 general elections. The House of Representatives had passed the bill at third reading on December 23, 2025, but the Senate stepped it down over procedural issues, leaving its final consideration pending.
The delay has been criticized by various stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who accused the Senate of deliberately frustrating efforts to amend the Electoral Act. Atiku warned that continued delays could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The Electoral Act amendment seeks to address critical deficiencies observed in recent elections, including clearer legal backing for electronic transmission of results, early voting, and tougher sanctions for electoral offences. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed grave concern over the delay, warning that it threatens timely preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
The Situation Room has announced plans to stage a public protest to draw national attention to the issue, emphasizing that electoral reform is a time-sensitive national obligation. The group has called on the Senate to immediately prioritize and pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill upon resumption.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is legally required to issue the Notice of Election in February 2026, making it imperative for the bill to be passed and assented to well before then. Any further delay places the entire 2027 election cycle at risk.
The proposed amendments aim to strengthen INEC’s oversight of party primaries, compel political parties to publish delegates’ lists, and mandate earlier submission of candidate lists. The bill also seeks to fast-track election litigation so that all disputes are resolved before May 29, 2027.
The delay in passing the Electoral Act amendment has raised concerns about the Senate’s commitment to democratic consolidation. The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has warned that failure to act decisively would not only weaken preparations for the 2027 elections but further erode public confidence in the National Assembly’s commitment to democratic governance.
