Loopholes in Electoral Act threaten 2027 election – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the loopholes in the Electoral Act 2022, describing them as a major setback to the 2023 elections.

He noted that these gaps facilitated widespread rigging and made it nearly impossible for petitioners to pursue their cases in the courts.

Atiku, in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter), stressed that “A major setback to the 2023 elections is the loopholes in the Electoral Act 2022 that paved the way for the brazen rigging of that election, and the near-impossibility of petitioners to advance their cases in the courts.

“It is imperative that if the mistakes of the 2023 election are to be corrected, the legal instrument for the conduct of the 2027 and subsequent elections needs to be reviewed.”

He added, “The credibility of the 2027 general elections hinges on the urgency with which the Senate treats this crucial bill.”

He expressed concern over what he described as the Senate’s reluctance to pass amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act. According to him, the delay was undermining confidence in the nation’s electoral system.

“It is, therefore, imperative that the Senate finalises the amendments and ensures the updated law governs the conduct of the 2027 elections.

“Anything short of this is a deliberate attempt to rig the election long before the ballots are cast,” he added.

Atiku also cited a recent report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, saying it served “both as an indictment of the Senate and a timely call for legislative responsibility.”

In a related development, the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern over the failure of the National Assembly to conclude the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill in 2025.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u, the group said the delay, now extended by the National Assembly’s recess into 2026, posed a risk to Nigeria’s electoral reform process and preparations for the 2027 general elections.

The House of Representatives had passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill at third reading on December 23, 2025.

The bill seeks to address gaps identified in recent elections, including provisions on electronic transmission of results, early voting, and stiffer penalties for electoral offences.

According to Ya’u, the Senate had not completed action on the bill despite passing it at second reading on October 22, 2025.

The bill was reportedly stepped down over procedural issues and was not returned for final consideration before the Senate adjourned for the end-of-year recess.

The joint committees of both chambers had publicly committed in October 2025 to ensure passage of the bill before the end of the year.

“Electoral reform is not routine legislation. It is a time-sensitive national obligation. The Senate’s failure to conclude action on a Bill already passed by the House reflects poor prioritisation, weak inter-chamber coordination, and a troubling disregard for Nigeria’s electoral timelines,” the statement read.

He warned that the delay could affect preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which is required by law to issue the notice of election in February 2026.

Ya’u said the bill must be passed and assented to well before then to allow INEC plan and operate under a revised legal framework ahead of the 2027 polls.

“INEC is legally required to issue the notice of election in February 2026.

“Situation Room stresses that for INEC to plan, implement, and sensitise stakeholders under a revised legal framework, the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill must be passed and assented to well before then.

“Any further delay places the entire 2027 election cycle at risk,” he said.

Ya’u also noted that the delay mirrored past challenges, recalling that the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill failed to receive presidential assent in time because it was transmitted late.

He warned that continued delay could lead to uncertainty in the electoral legal framework, delayed voter education, operational challenges for INEC, and increased risk of electoral disputes.

He further criticised the prolonged legislative recess, comparing it with other democracies where parliaments resumed early in the year despite pending national priorities.

“We call on the National Assembly, and particularly the Senate, to: immediately prioritise and pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill upon resumption on 27 January 2026 without further delay.

“Ensure immediate transmission of the Bill to the President for assent upon passage, so the revised legal framework is in force well ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Strengthen inter-chamber coordination between the Senate and the House of Representatives to prevent further legislative bottlenecks on priority national legislation,” Ya’u said.