Situation Room Warns Electoral Act Delay Threatens 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has warned that the National Assembly’s failure to conclude passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill could seriously undermine preparations for the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Convener of the Situation Room, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, expressed concern over the Senate’s continued delay in acting on the Bill already passed by the House of Representatives, describing it as a major setback to Nigeria’s electoral reform efforts.

The House of Representatives passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill at Third Reading on December 23, 2025, following extensive deliberations. The proposed amendments are aimed at addressing gaps identified in recent elections, including providing clearer legal backing for electronic transmission of results, introducing early voting, and strengthening sanctions for electoral offences.

However, the Senate has yet to conclude action on the Bill. Although it passed Second Reading in the upper chamber on October 22, 2025, it was stepped down due to procedural issues and was not reconsidered before the Senate adjourned for its end-of-year recess.

Describing the delay as inexcusable, the Situation Room stressed that electoral reform is time-sensitive and central to democratic governance. “Electoral reform is not routine legislation. It is a time-sensitive national obligation,” the group said, adding that the Senate’s inaction reflects poor prioritisation and weak coordination between the two chambers of the National Assembly.

The organisation warned that the delay is particularly troubling given that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is legally required to issue the Notice of Election in February 2026. It noted that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill must be passed and assented to well ahead of that deadline to allow adequate planning, implementation, and stakeholder sensitisation.

The group also recalled past legislative delays, pointing out that the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill failed to receive presidential assent in time because it was transmitted late, a situation it warned must not be repeated.

Situation Room further criticised the prolonged recess of the National Assembly, noting that legislatures in other democracies reconvene early in the year when urgent national matters remain unresolved.

According to the organisation, continued delay could create uncertainty in the legal framework for elections, weaken voter education, disrupt INEC’s operational planning, and heighten the risk of electoral disputes.

While acknowledging assurances from Senate leadership that the Bill will be prioritised when lawmakers resume on January 27, 2026, the Situation Room urged the Senate to move beyond promises to decisive action.

It called on the Senate to immediately prioritise and pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill upon resumption and ensure its swift transmission to the President for assent, warning that further delay could undermine the credibility of the 2027 General Elections.