ADC warns delays in electoral bill threaten 2027 elections

The African Democratic Congress, has called on the National Assembly to urgently pass the Electoral Bill 2025, warning that continued delays could undermine critical electoral reforms and threaten the credibility of the 2027 elections.

ADC Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Saturday, said the party accused the APC-led Senate of delaying the bill and warned against weakening or stalling key reforms like electronic voter accreditation and results transmission.

On Thursday, the Senate inaugurated a seven-member ad hoc committee to review, harmonise, and streamline senators’ contributions to the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, as part of renewed efforts to fortify Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The move followed a three-hour closed-door executive session during which lawmakers examined the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

Announcing the development, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the committee will consolidate lawmakers’ positions and resolve outstanding issues in the amendment process. The panel is headed by Niyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Reacting, the ADC expressed strong concern over what it described as ongoing delays by the National Assembly on the 2025 Electoral Bill, warning that the slow pace suggests the APC-led legislature may be stalling key amendments meant to curb election rigging.

ADC stated, “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 allow 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 regarding the electoral guidelines would not only serve as booby traps for opposition political parties but also make it difficult for the INEC to prepare adequately and set clear guidelines within the stipulated time.

For example, the provision requiring INEC to publish election notices not later than 360 days before the general election remains extant. The implication is that even now, there is very little room for maneuver.

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

“The ADC also urges 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.”

Culled from punch