The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, has criticised the Senate for failing to conclude work on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, warning that the delay could undermine preparations for the 2027 general election.
The group said the National Assembly did not complete passage of the bill in 2025, despite the House of Representatives approving it at third reading on 23 December after extensive deliberations.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the Convener of the group, Yunusa Ya’u, said the proposed amendment is aimed at addressing weaknesses identified in recent elections, including providing clearer legal backing for the electronic transmission of results, introducing early voting, and imposing stiffer penalties for electoral offences.
Senate Delay Raises Concerns
While the bill passed second reading in the Senate on 22 October 2025, it was later stepped down over procedural issues and did not return for final consideration before lawmakers adjourned for the end-of-year recess, which has extended into 2026.
This, the group noted, is despite a public commitment by the joint committees on electoral matters of both chambers to ensure passage of the bill before the end of the year.
Situation Room described the delay as “inexcusable”, saying electoral reform is a time-sensitive national priority.
“Electoral reform is not routine legislation. It is a time-bound obligation. The Senate’s failure to act reflects poor prioritisation, weak inter-chamber coordination and disregard for Nigeria’s electoral timelines,” the group said.
Risk to Election Timetable
The coalition warned that further delay could affect the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is legally required to issue its Notice of Election in February 2026.
It said the amended law must be passed and assented to well ahead of this deadline to allow INEC and other stakeholders sufficient time for planning, voter education and implementation.
Lessons From Previous Elections
Situation Room also pointed to past experience, noting that delays in transmitting the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill to the Presidency contributed to its late assent.
“It is unacceptable that the same mistake is being repeated, despite clear lessons from the past,” the statement said.
The group further criticised the prolonged legislative recess, arguing that parliaments in other democracies continue to sit when urgent national issues remain unresolved.
It cited the early January resumption of the UK Parliament and the constitutional requirement for the US Congress to reconvene at the start of each year.
Calls for Immediate Action
While acknowledging assurances from Senate leadership that the bill would be prioritised on resumption, the coalition said Nigerians need action rather than repeated promises.
It urges the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill immediately upon resumption on 27 January 2026 and ensure its prompt transmission to the President for assent.
Reporting by Julian Adetinuyo
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