Electoral Act: ADC Accuses National Assembly Of Plot To Undermine 2027 Polls

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the National Assembly of adopting delay tactics in passing the Electoral Bill 2025, adding that it poses a serious risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

ADC’s national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, who accused the Senate of delay, highlighted various amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 that carry serious eligibility and compliance risks for political parties if not passed on time.

The party spokesman in a statement, also noted that new provisions involving mandatory electronic voter accreditation and transmission of results were minimum requirements on which the credibility of the 2027 election depends and must not be sabotaged by unnecessary filibustering.

He said continued prevarications by the National Assembly over the 2025 Electoral Bill was deeply concerning, adding that the  failure to promptly pass the bill for urgent presidential assent raises suspicion 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 spokesman also noted that some of the proposed amendments had 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 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,” Abdullahi stated.

Calling on the National Assembly to promptly pass the bill, the ADC said further delays pose serious risks to the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermines the integrity of the entire electoral process well in advance.

It added that Nigeria cannot afford the cost of another acrimonious or dubious election.

The ADC also called 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.