Amanze Chinonye
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Senate of deliberately frustrating efforts to amend the Electoral Act 2022, warning that the credibility of the 2027 general elections is at serious risk if the reforms are not concluded in time.
In a statement, Atiku described the existing Electoral Act as a “major setback” to the 2023 general elections, arguing that loopholes in the law enabled widespread irregularities and made it nearly impossible for petitioners to successfully challenge disputed results in court.
According to him, correcting the flaws witnessed in the 2023 polls requires an urgent review of the legal framework governing elections, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections and future polls.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“At this point, it has become obvious that the Senate is determined to frustrate the passage of amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act,” Atiku said, adding that failure to act promptly amounts to “a deliberate attempt to rig the election long before the ballots are cast.”
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He cited a recent investigative report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) as an indictment of the upper chamber, describing it as a timely call for legislative responsibility.
The former presidential candidate stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections hinges on how urgently the Senate treats the proposed amendments, urging lawmakers to ensure that an updated Electoral Act governs the conduct of the next general elections.
The proposed amendments reportedly seek to address key issues identified after the 2023 polls, including provisions for real-time electronic transmission of results, stiffer penalties for electoral fraud, and more flexible rules on admissible evidence in election petition cases.
The amendment bill passed second reading in the Senate in October 2025 but was not listed for further consideration before lawmakers proceeded on recess, sparking criticism from opposition figures and civil society organisations.
Several civil society groups have described the delay as a betrayal of public trust, warning that prolonged legislative inaction could undermine preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 elections.
However, Senate leaders have insisted that the delay is not deliberate, promising that the bill will be given accelerated consideration when the National Assembly resumes plenary on January 27, 2026, in line with INEC’s timelines for the next general elections.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
