Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has slammed the Nigerian Senate for what he describes as intentional delays in passing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Falana warned that these postponements could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with Arise News on Sunday, he expressed frustration over the Senate’s decision to establish yet another committee to review the bill, despite the House of Representatives having approved it in December 2025.
“Clearly, from the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is very clear that the members simply want the status quo retained. This rigmarole is meant to give the impression to Nigerians that the proposed Electoral Act is being addressed,” Falana stated.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill proposes major reforms, including electronic transmission of election results, harsher penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions for delegates financially induced to manipulate party conventions.
Falana argued that these changes are vital to closing long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He further accused lawmakers of concentrating on amendments already covered by existing laws, while ignoring effective enforcement of electoral provisions.
“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity. The only politically important issue today is the gale of defections in Nigeria, yet the National Assembly focuses on time-wasting amendments,” he said.
Falana also recalled that key reforms, such as establishing an electoral offences commission recommended since 2008, remain unimplemented. He stressed the urgency of codifying electronic accreditation and result transmission into law, particularly following disputes in previous elections.
“Last election, we were subjected to a national disgrace when three leading presidential candidates claimed to have won. That election petition lasted 10 months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions in law?” he questioned.
Concluding, Falana called on Nigerians and civil society groups to step up pressure on lawmakers, saying, “Unless Nigerians are mobilised to pressure the National Assembly, the new electoral bill will not be passed. There is no indication that it will be passed unless we act.”
