Electoral Act: ADC accuses senate, house of delay tactics

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the National Assembly of employing delay tactics in passing the 2025 Electoral Bill.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC highlighted various amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 that carry serious eligibility and compliance risks for political parties if not enacted on time.

The party also noted that new provisions involving mandatory electronic voter accreditation and the transmission of results are minimum requirements on which the credibility of the 2027 elections depends and must not be undermined by unnecessary filibustering.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply concerned by the continued prevarications of the National Assembly over the 2025 Electoral Bill. Failure to promptly pass the bill for presidential assent raises suspicions that the legislature, which is dominated by the APC, is deliberately delaying key amendments, especially those intended to make future elections more difficult to rig.”

“The ADC also notes that some of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that must be fully understood and met by political parties. Failure to allow sufficient time to study and implement these provisions, beyond what is publicly available, could have serious consequences for both political parties and 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.

“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 therefore calls on the National Assembly to pass the bill without further delay. 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 ADC also urges civil society organisations, international partners, and all political parties committed to accountable democratic governance to pressure the National Assembly to act swiftly, as Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle without these essential safeguards.”

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