Electoral Act: NASS delay in passage, threat to 2027 polls – ADC

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said that the delay in the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill by the National Assembly is allegedly a threat to the 2027 polls.

Consequently, the ADC, in a statement by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday, charged the parliament to expedite action on the passage of the bill.

The party noted that the quick enactment of a new electoral law would provide clarity on the legal framework for the next general election.

The statement read in part: “The ADC is deeply concerned by the continued prevarications by the National Assembly over the 2025 Electoral Bill, saying failure to promptly pass the bill for urgent presidential assent raises suspicions that the legislature, dominated by the APC ruling party, is deliberately applying delay tactics to frustrate key amendments, especially those intended to make future elections more difficult to rig.

 “The ADC also notes that some of the proposed amendments have introduced new compliance and eligibility requirements that need to be properly understood and met by political parties. Failure to give sufficient time to understand the provisions of the new law, beyond what is publicly available as proposals has serious consequences for both political parties and the INEC.

“Lack of clarity as to the electoral guidelines would not only serve as booby traps for opposition political parties, but also make it difficult for the INEC to prepare sufficiently and set clear guidelines within the stipulated time.

“For example, the provision that requires INEC to publish notices on election not later than 360 days before the general election remains extant. The implication of this is that even now, there is very little left for maneuver.

 “The ADC therefore calls on the National Assembly to promptly pass the bill. Any further delay poses serious risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermines the integrity of the entire electoral process well in advance. Nigeria cannot afford the cost of another acrimonious or dubious election. 

 “The ADC also calls on civil society organisations, international partners, and all political parties committed to accountable democratic governance to pressure the National Assembly to act swiftly, as Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle without these critical safeguards in place.”