New Electoral Act will correct past mistakes, strengthen 2027 elections

From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja

Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, on Thursday took centre stage in discussions to refine Nigeria’s electoral framework as the National Assembly intensifies efforts to amend the Electoral Act 2022 ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The senator spoke to the SUN at a one-day retreat in Abuja convened by the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The session, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, brought together major stakeholders including the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan.

After a closed-door technical meeting, Senator Mustapha explained that the ongoing review is part of a routine legislative process aimed at correcting shortcomings observed in previous elections.

“Basically, as a member of the electoral committee, it is the norm that before every election there are electoral amendments that come up so we can look at the mistakes of the past and put things in proper perspective”.

“Our gathering today is to fine-tune the draft copy, which is still work in progress. By next week, we shall take it to the floor of the parliament to dot every ‘I’ and cross every ‘T’ so that we can have a perfect document for the 2027 election”, he said.

Responding to questions on whether the mandatory electronic transmission of results is included in the draft, a point not clearly addressed in the 2022 Act, Mustapha confirmed that lawmakers extensively reviewed the provision.

The proposed 2025 version requires presiding officers to transmit results and accredited-voter figures both electronically and manually.

“The electronic transmission of voting is also part of what we discussed and reviewed,” he noted. “But like I said, we shall be taking it to the larger house for us to look at again and agree on a final draft which will now be transmitted.”

Senator Mustapha reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering a stronger, clearer, and more credible electoral legal framework ahead of the next general elections.