The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the National Assembly, particularly the APC-dominated Senate, of employing deliberate delay tactics in passing the 2025 Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that further postponement threatens the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement issued on January 31, 2026, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi expressed deep concern over the legislature’s “continued prevarications” on the bill, which is intended for presidential assent.
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The party alleged that the delays are suspicious, suggesting an intent to hinder key amendments designed to make future elections harder to rig.
Abdullahi highlighted that some proposed changes introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements for political parties.
Without sufficient time to study and implement these provisions, both parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) face serious challenges.
He noted that lingering ambiguity in electoral guidelines could create “booby traps” for opposition groups and complicate INEC’s ability to issue clear rules promptly.
A critical example cited is the existing provision mandating INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before general elections. With the timeline already tight, the ADC warned that little room remains for adequate preparation.
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The opposition party urged the National Assembly to pass the bill swiftly without further delay, arguing that any postponement risks undermining confidence in the electoral process and could lead to another contentious or dubious election cycle. Nigeria, it stressed, cannot afford repeated acrimonious polls.
The ADC called on civil society organizations, international partners, and all political parties committed to accountable democracy to pressure the legislature into immediate action, emphasizing the need for essential safeguards ahead of 2027.
This statement aligns with broader criticisms from stakeholders, including civil society groups and opposition figures, who have decried the Senate’s slow pace on electoral reforms despite the urgency for 2027 preparations.
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