Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concerns over the Senate’s handling of the Electoral Act 2022 amendment, warning that a failure to reform the law could compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections. In a recent statement, Atiku described the 2023 general elections as a “major setback” due to loopholes in the Electoral Act 2022, which he believes enabled electoral irregularities and made it difficult for petitioners to successfully challenge election results in court.
Atiku emphasized the need for meaningful reform of the electoral legal framework to prevent a repeat of the flaws witnessed in 2023. He stated that reviewing the legal instrument for the conduct of future elections is imperative to correct the mistakes of the 2023 election. However, he expressed concern that the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, appears unwilling to fast-track the necessary amendments.
A recent investigative report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has also highlighted the need for urgent legislative action. Atiku referenced the report, describing it as both an indictment of the Senate and a call for urgent responsibility. The former presidential candidate stressed that the credibility of the 2027 general elections hinges on the Senate’s prompt attention to the amendment bill.
Atiku emphasized that the amended law must be finalized and in force before the 2027 elections to prevent any potential compromise of the electoral process. He warned that any delay would be perceived as a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome of the election. The Electoral Act 2022 has been a subject of controversy, with many stakeholders calling for reforms to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
The Nigerian electoral system has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including allegations of electoral manipulation and violence. The 2023 general elections were marred by controversies, with many candidates and parties disputing the results. The upcoming 2027 elections are expected to be highly contested, and the integrity of the electoral process will be closely watched by local and international observers.
The Senate’s handling of the Electoral Act 2022 amendment will be crucial in determining the credibility of the 2027 general elections. As the electoral process continues to evolve, it is essential that the necessary reforms are implemented to ensure the integrity and transparency of the elections. The Nigerian people and the international community will be watching closely to see how the Senate addresses these concerns and ensures that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible.
