…Accuses Senate of Stalling Reforms Ahead of 2027
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the National Assembly of deliberately delaying the passage of the 2025 Electoral Bill, warning that continued hesitation could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed deep concern over what it described as “continued prevarications” by the legislature, which it noted is dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the ADC, the failure to promptly transmit the Electoral Bill for presidential assent raises serious suspicions that lawmakers are intentionally stalling critical amendments designed to strengthen electoral integrity and make future elections harder to rig.
“The failure to promptly pass the bill for presidential assent raises suspicions that the legislature, which is dominated by the APC, is deliberately delaying key amendments, especially those intended to make future elections more difficult to rig,” the party said.
The ADC also cautioned that some of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that political parties must properly understand and implement. It warned that inadequate time to study and adapt to the changes could have grave implications for both political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Failure to allow sufficient time to study and implement these provisions… could have serious consequences for both political parties and INEC,” the statement noted.
The party further warned that unclear or hastily implemented electoral guidelines could create “booby traps” for opposition parties and complicate INEC’s ability to issue clear and enforceable rules within the legally required timeframe.
Highlighting a specific concern, the ADC pointed to the provision mandating INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election, noting that time is already running out for adequate preparation and compliance.
“For example, the provision requiring INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before the general election remains in effect. This means that even now, there is very little time left for adequate preparation and compliance,” the party stated.
The ADC therefore called on the National Assembly to pass the Electoral Bill without further delay, warning that any additional postponement could jeopardise the integrity of the 2027 polls and erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Any postponement risks the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermines confidence in the entire electoral process. Nigeria cannot afford another acrimonious or dubious election,” the statement added.
The party also appealed to civil society organisations, international partners and all political actors committed to democratic accountability to intensify pressure on the National Assembly to act swiftly.
“Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle without these essential safeguards,” Abdullahi said.
