By Abubakar Yunusa
Civil society organisations have asked the Senate to immediately pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, warning that further delay could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and Kimpact Development Initiative made the call on Wednesday during a peaceful demonstration at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.
Speaking at the protest, the co-convener of the Situation Room, Comrade Mma Odi, said the Senate had no justification for stalling the bill’s passage after it was approved by the House of Representatives in December.
Odi said civil society groups had exhausted several engagement channels, including press releases, media advocacy and a press conference, before resorting to the protest.
“We are here to urge the Senate to pass the 2025 Electoral Amendment Bill. The House of Representatives passed it in December, and the Senate has been delaying it,” she said.
She warned that the delay could affect the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for the 2027 polls, noting that INEC is legally required to release its election timetable one year ahead.
“By February, it will be exactly one year to the elections. If this bill is not passed and transmitted to the President for assent, it will affect INEC’s planning,” Odi said.
According to her, the bill contains key reforms, including stiffer penalties for electoral offences such as vote-buying, ballot snatching and election-related violence.
She added that the proposed law also introduces provisions to ensure transparency in political party membership and internal administration.
Odi criticised lawmakers for failing to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians nearly three years into their tenure.
“We are asking them to leave this one and pass this Electoral Amendment Bill for us, so that we can point to something they have done for Nigerians,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative and a member of the Situation Room faulted the prolonged amendment process, describing it as unacceptable.
He said, “We don’t understand how you amend an Electoral Act for three years when elections are just around the corner. Notice of election is supposed to be given 360 days ahead.”
He expressed concern that despite the Senate’s resumption from recess, the bill was not listed on the Order Paper for consideration.
The KDI boss warned against allowing politicians to use proximity to elections as an excuse to block reforms.
“Pass it now so that the President can sign it. We don’t want a repeat of what we had in 2023,” he said.
He added that the proposed amendments would strengthen electoral integrity, improve party management and enhance the roles of INEC and the judiciary in election administration.
The groups insisted that passing the bill promptly would help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
