Senate stalling electoral bill to undermine 2027 polls, ADC alleges
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns regarding the delay in the passage of the Electoral Bill 2025, attributing the slow progress to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) that dominates the Senate. The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that this procrastination could undermine critical electoral reforms and threaten the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a statement, the ADC accused the National Assembly of intentionally stalling the bill’s passage, leading to apprehensions about their intent to obstruct essential amendments designed to enhance the electoral process and minimize rigging. The party posits that the legislature’s failure to act promptly raises suspicions of ulterior motives, particularly given the pressing need for detailed understanding and compliance with the new eligibility requirements proposed within the bill.
The ADC emphasized that without timely passage and clarity on the new electoral guidelines, both political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) face significant challenges. The lack of clear regulations could create pitfalls for opposition parties and complicate INEC’s ability to set adequate guidelines in time for the elections.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the ADC referenced existing legal timeframes, particularly the rule that mandates INEC to publish election notices no later than 360 days before a general election. This stipulation means there is limited time to address any discrepancies or delays, reinforcing the need for the National Assembly to take immediate action to pass the bill.
The ADC warned that any further postponements could severely impact the legitimacy of the 2027 elections and compromise the overall electoral framework. The party called upon civil society organizations, international partners, and other political entities to exert pressure on lawmakers to expedite the legislative process, underscoring the need to avoid any situation leading to another contentious electoral cycle.
In conclusion, the ADC’s position is clear: the delay in passing the Electoral Bill 2025 is not merely a procedural issue, but a significant threat to the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes, necessitating immediate rectification to ensure a fair electoral landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
