2027 Elections: Atiku Fears Reform Delay as Civil Groups Fault Senate

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Sunday in Abuja, warned that unresolved gaps in Nigeria’s Electoral Act could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections, as pressure mounted on the National Assembly particularly the Senate, to urgently conclude amendments to the law.

Atiku, reacting to ongoing delays in passing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, said flaws in the 2022 Electoral Act contributed significantly to controversies surrounding the 2023 elections and continued to threaten the integrity of future polls if left unaddressed.

In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the former presidential candidate argued that weaknesses in the law enabled electoral manipulation and frustrated post-election justice.

According to him, “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 further linked the credibility of the next general elections to legislative urgency, stating that “The credibility of the 2027 general elections hinges on the urgency with which the Senate treats this crucial bill.”

Atiku accused the Senate of dragging its feet on the amendments, warning that prolonged inaction was eroding public trust in the 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.

The former vice president also referenced a recent report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, describing it as “both as an indictment of the Senate and a timely call for legislative responsibility.”

His comments came amid similar concerns raised by the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, which faulted the National Assembly for failing to complete the amendment process before proceeding on recess.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u, the group said the delay now stretching into 2026 due to the lawmakers’ recess posed serious risks to Nigeria’s electoral reform timeline and overall preparedness for the 2027 polls.

The House of Representatives had passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill at third reading on December 23, 2025, following months of deliberations aimed at addressing weaknesses exposed during recent elections. The proposed amendments include provisions for electronic transmission of results, early voting, and tougher penalties for electoral offences.

However, Ya’u noted that the Senate had yet to complete work on the bill, despite passing it at second reading on October 22, 2025. The legislation was reportedly stepped down due to procedural concerns and was not returned for final consideration before the Senate adjourned for the end-of-year recess.

He recalled that joint committees of both chambers had publicly pledged in October 2025 to ensure the bill was passed before the end of the year, a commitment he said had not been honoured.

“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.

Ya’u warned that continued delay could disrupt preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is legally required to issue the notice of election in February 2026.

According to him, “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.

The civil society group also drew parallels with past legislative setbacks, recalling that the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill failed to receive presidential assent on time after being transmitted late, a situation it warned could recur if current delays persist.

Ya’u cautioned that uncertainty surrounding the legal framework could result in delayed voter education, operational difficulties for INEC, and an increase in post-election disputes.

He further criticised the extended legislative recess, contrasting it with practices in other democracies where parliaments reconvene early in the year to address urgent national matters.

“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.