Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Femi Falana has criticized the Senate for repeatedly postponing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning it could compromise the 2027 general elections’ credibility.
The bill, passed by the House of Representatives in December 2025, aims to introduce reforms like electronic transmission of results and stiffer penalties for vote-buying.
Falana accused lawmakers of focusing on unnecessary amendments and time-wasting, rather than addressing pressing electoral issues.
He stressed the need for clear laws on electronic accreditation and result transmission, citing past election controversies.
While speaking during an interview on Arise News on Sunday, the human rights lawyer expressed frustration over the Senate’s decision to establish yet another committee to review the bill.
He described the process as unnecessary and aimed at preserving the status quo rather than addressing pressing electoral reforms.
“Clearly, from the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is very clear that the members simply want the status quo retained.
“This rigmarole is meant to give the impression to Nigerians that the proposed Electoral Act is being addressed,” Falana said.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill aims to introduce critical reforms to Nigeria’s electoral framework.
It contains provisions on electronic transmission of election results, stiffer penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions against delegates induced financially to manipulate party conventions.
These changes, Falana argued, address longstanding gaps in the system.
He accused lawmakers of focusing on amendments already covered by existing laws while failing to ensure effective enforcement of electoral provisions.
“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity. The only politically important issue today is the gale of defections in Nigeria, yet the National Assembly focuses on time-wasting amendments,” he said.
Falana also recalled that key electoral reforms, including the establishment of an electoral offences commission recommended in 2008, had yet to be implemented.
He stressed the need to clearly codify electronic accreditation and transmission of results into law, citing controversies from previous elections.
“Last election, we were subjected to a national disgrace when three leading presidential candidates claimed to have won. That election petition lasted 10 months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions in law?” Falana asked.
He concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society groups to hold lawmakers accountable to ensure the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
“Unless Nigerians are mobilised to pressure the National Assembly, the new electoral bill will not be passed. There is no indication that it will be passed unless we act,” Falana said.
