By Sule Shehu
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has criticised the Senate over delays in concluding the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Convener of the group, Mr Yunusa Ya’u, said the delay threatens Nigeria’s electoral reform process and could affect preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the House of Representatives had already passed the bill at its third reading on December 23, 2025, after extensive deliberations, but the Senate has yet to complete action on it.
According to Mr Ya’u, although the bill passed second reading in the Senate in October 2025, it was stepped down over procedural issues and was not reconsidered before the Senate adjourned for the end-of-year recess.
He described the delay as inexcusable, stressing that electoral reform is a time-sensitive national responsibility and not routine legislation.
The Situation Room called on the Senate to prioritise the bill and ensure its passage immediately upon resumption on January 27.
Mr Ya’u explained that the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system by providing clearer legal backing for electronic transmission of results, early voting, and stricter sanctions for electoral offences.
He also warned that further delay could jeopardise the entire 2027 election cycle, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is required by law to issue notices of election in February.
The group recalled that delays in transmitting the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill to the Presidency led to late presidential assent, urging the National Assembly not to repeat the same mistake.
