The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the APC-dominated National Assembly of deliberately stalling the passage of the 2025 Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the delay could jeopardise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on Saturday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the continued delay by the Senate and the House of Representatives raises concerns that key reforms designed to strengthen electoral integrity are being deliberately frustrated.
The ADC said the failure to promptly pass the bill for presidential assent has created uncertainty around crucial amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, particularly provisions relating to electronic voter accreditation and the electronic transmission of results.
According to the party, these provisions are “minimum requirements” for credible elections and must not be undermined by what it described as unnecessary filibustering by lawmakers.
“The failure to act promptly raises suspicions that the legislature is deliberately delaying key amendments, especially those intended to make future elections more difficult to rig,” the statement said.
The ADC warned that several proposed amendments introduce new eligibility and compliance requirements for political parties, which require adequate time for understanding and implementation.
It noted that rushing the process or creating ambiguity around the new provisions could expose opposition parties to technical disqualification and complicate preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Lack of clarity in the electoral guidelines would not only create potential booby traps for opposition parties, but also make it difficult for INEC to prepare and issue clear rules within the required timeframe,” the party said.
The party drew attention to the existing provision requiring INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election, stressing that time is already running out.
“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 ADC stated.
The ADC called on the National Assembly to pass the bill without further delay, warning that continued postponement could erode public confidence in the electoral 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 said.
The party also urged civil society organisations, international partners and other political parties committed to democratic governance to mount pressure on the legislature to act swiftly.
