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Nigeria’s opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned the National Assembly against further delays in passing the 2025 Electoral Bill, warning that prolonged legislative inaction could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused the APC-dominated Senate and House of Representatives of deliberately slowing down the legislative process on key amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the ADC, the delays have raised concerns about the commitment of lawmakers to electoral transparency and democratic accountability.
The party explained that several of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements for political parties, stressing that these provisions must be clearly understood and implemented well ahead of the next election cycle.
It warned that rushing or obscuring such changes could expose political parties to avoidable legal and administrative risks.
Moreover, the ADC noted that ambiguity in the amended law could complicate preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making it difficult for the electoral body to issue timely and unambiguous guidelines.
Such uncertainty, the party argued, could weaken public confidence in the electoral framework long before voting begins.
Drawing attention to existing timelines, the ADC recalled that INEC is legally required to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election.
It said the continued delay in passing the bill has already narrowed the window for adequate preparation, compliance, and voter education ahead of 2027.
The party further insisted that reforms such as mandatory electronic voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results are essential safeguards for credible elections.
Any attempt to stall or dilute these provisions, it said, would amount to undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
Consequently, the ADC called on the National Assembly to pass the bill without further delay and forward it for presidential assent.
It also urged civil society organisations, international partners, and pro-democracy stakeholders to intensify pressure on lawmakers, warning that Nigeria “cannot afford another election cycle plagued by controversy and mistrust.”