The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed serious concern over the failure of the National Assembly to conclude the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill in 2025, blaming the Senate for prolonged delays despite the bill’s passage by the House of Representatives.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u, the group warned that the delay, now extended into 2026 due to the National Assembly’s recess, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s electoral reform process and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The House of Representatives had passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill at third reading on December 23, 2025.
The proposed amendment seeks to address critical gaps observed in recent elections, including provisions on electronic transmission of results, early voting, and stiffer penalties for electoral offences.
However, Ya’u noted that the Senate has failed to conclude action on the bill, even though it passed second reading on October 22, 2025.
“The bill was reportedly stepped down over procedural issues and was not returned for final consideration before the Senate adjourned for the end-of-year recess,” the statement said.
He recalled that the joint committees of both chambers had publicly committed in October 2025 to ensuring the bill’s passage before the end of the year, a promise that was not fulfilled.
“Electoral reform is not routine legislation. It is a time-sensitive national obligation. The Senate’s failure to conclude action on a bill already passed by the House reflects poor prioritisation, weak inter-chamber coordination, and a troubling disregard for Nigeria’s electoral timelines,” Ya’u stated.
The Situation Room warned that the delay could undermine preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is legally required to issue the notice of Eeection in February 2026.
According to Ya’u, the bill must be passed and assented to well before that date to allow INEC plan, implement reforms, and sensitise stakeholders under a revised legal framework ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Any further delay places the entire 2027 election cycle at risk,” he warned.
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The group also drew parallels with past legislative failures, recalling that the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill did not receive presidential assent in time because it was transmitted late.
Ya’u further criticised the prolonged legislative recess, comparing it unfavourably with practices in other democracies.
“Legislatures in other democracies do not remain inactive when urgent national priorities are outstanding,” he said, noting that the UK Parliament resumed sittings on January 5, 2026, while the US Congress is constitutionally required to reconvene on January 3 each year.
He cautioned that continued delays could result in uncertainty in the electoral legal framework, delayed voter education, operational challenges for INEC, and an increased risk of electoral disputes.
The Situation Room called on the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to immediately prioritise and pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill upon resumption on January 27, 2026.
It also urged lawmakers to ensure the immediate transmission of the bill to the President for assent and to strengthen inter-chamber coordination to prevent further legislative bottlenecks.
“Credible elections are the foundation of democratic governance and national stability. Nigeria cannot afford to drift into another election cycle with unresolved legal uncertainties,” Ya’u said.
