Abuja, Nigeria – Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has sharply criticised the Nigerian Senate for deliberate delays in passing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that continued procrastination could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Sunday, Falana expressed dismay over the Senate’s decision to form yet another committee to review the bill, despite the House of Representatives having passed it in December 2025.
“From the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is clear the members simply want the status quo retained. This rigmarole is meant to give Nigerians the impression that the proposed Electoral Act is being addressed,” Falana said.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill introduces key reforms, including:
- Electronic transmission of election results
- Stricter penalties for vote-buying
- Voting rights for inmates
- Sanctions for delegates financially induced to manipulate party conventions
Falana argued that these reforms are crucial to closing long-standing loopholes in Nigeria’s electoral process. He accused lawmakers of focusing on amendments already covered by existing laws while neglecting enforcement of critical electoral provisions.
“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity. The only politically important issue today is the gale of defections, yet the National Assembly focuses on time-wasting amendments,” he said.
Highlighting past unimplemented reforms, Falana noted that proposals such as establishing an electoral offences commission, recommended in 2008, remain unfulfilled. He stressed the need to legally codify electronic accreditation and result transmission, especially after controversies in previous elections.
“Last election, we were subjected to a national disgrace when three leading presidential candidates claimed victory. That election petition lasted 10 months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions into law?” he queried.
Falana concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society groups to pressure lawmakers, stating: “Unless Nigerians mobilise to hold the National Assembly accountable, the new electoral bill will not be passed. There is no indication it will pass unless we act.”
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