Isaac Samuel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has alleged that the National Assembly is deliberately delaying the passage of amendments to the Electoral Act.
The party warned that the slow pace could jeopardise preparations for the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern that the prolonged legislative process may undermine efforts to strengthen the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the next polls.
Abdullahi said several of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that political parties must clearly understand and implement well in advance of the election cycle.
He warned that insufficient time to study and adapt to the provisions could create serious challenges for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to the ADC, continued uncertainty over the electoral framework could create what it described as “potential booby traps” for opposition parties and complicate INEC’s ability to issue clear and timely guidelines.
The party also pointed to a provision requiring INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election, noting that the window for adequate planning is already narrowing as 2027 approaches.
Calling for urgent legislative action, the ADC urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Electoral Act amendment, warning that further delay could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
“Nigeria cannot afford another acrimonious or dubious election,” the party stated.
It urged civil society organisations, international partners and other democratic stakeholders to press the legislature to act swiftly.
The ADC’s concerns echo similar sentiments earlier expressed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who accused the Senate of stalling the amendment process.
However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had, in his New Year message in January, assured that the upper chamber would fast-track consideration and passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
