2027: Fix dangerous loophole now — Atiku demands urgent Amendment of Electoral Act
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar Urges Reforms to Nigeria’s Electoral Act
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for immediate reform of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, citing concerns over potential threats to the integrity of the electoral process. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku highlighted issues within Section 63 of the Act, particularly a provision that allows returning officers to count ballots lacking an official mark at their discretion.
“This is not a minor technical issue; it is a direct threat to electoral integrity,” Atiku said, underscoring his belief that any provision permitting discretion in ballot validation could undermine public trust in the electoral system.
He emphasized that clear standards must govern the validity of ballots. “A democracy cannot survive on ambiguity. A ballot must either meet the standard or it does not,” he stated, warning that subjective judgment could lead to manipulation and disputes.
Atiku expressed concern that while the provision may have been intended to prevent voter disenfranchisement, its vague language poses a significant risk to electoral fairness. “At a time when Nigerians are demanding transparency and credibility, it is reckless to retain a clause that weakens confidence in the very foundation of democracy—the vote,” he noted.
This controversial provision, Atiku pointed out, is not new but a legacy loophole carried over from previous electoral laws without adequate safeguards. “Rather than close known gaps in our electoral framework, the amendment regrettably preserved a provision that still leaves room for subjective interpretation at a critical stage of the process,” he said.
He has urged the National Assembly to rapidly amend the Electoral Act to remove discretion in ballot validation and establish clear guidelines that uphold the integrity of every vote. Additionally, he called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance its operational guidelines to prevent electoral officers from making subjective judgments.
Atiku also appealed to the international community and election observers to closely monitor Nigeria’s electoral legal framework, stressing that the credibility of future elections hinges on both the law and the process. “The world is watching. Nigeria must not send a signal that its electoral system can be bent by interpretation,” he stated.
The former vice president expressed disappointment that such a controversial provision has persisted despite multiple legislative revisions. He emphasized the need for lawmakers to exercise diligence in protecting the sanctity of the ballot.
“The leadership of the National Assembly should have been more cautionary than casual in handling provisions that touch the very heart of our democracy,” he said, noting that a ballot paper is a legal instrument central to the credibility of the electoral process.
Atiku maintained that the responsibility for ensuring the integrity of electoral laws also rests with the executive branch. He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to subject critical legislation to thorough scrutiny before signing it into law. “Leadership demands vigilance,” he noted.
He concluded by stressing that any identified gaps in electoral laws must be corrected swiftly to restore public confidence. “This is not about blame—it is about responsibility. This loophole must be corrected. Democracy thrives on certainty, not discretion—and Nigeria cannot afford anything less,” Atiku said.
