The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised an urgent alarm regarding the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. Although the House of Representatives passed the bill in late 2025, the Senate has yet to take final action. This delay has pushed critical legislation into 2026, creating a potential crisis for the 2027 General Elections.
In a statement by Convener Yunusa Ya’u, the group expressed deep concern about the ongoing legislative recess. Because the break extends into late January, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now in a precarious position.
A Breakdown of the Legislative Bottleneck
The House of Representatives successfully passed the bill during its third reading on December 23, 2025. However, the Senate has lagged behind. Although the upper chamber passed the bill at its second reading in October, it was “stepped down” due to procedural issues. Consequently, the bill was not finalized before the end-of-year break.
The proposed bill aims to fix several critical gaps:
- Electronic Transmission: It strengthens the legal framework for the digital transfer of election results.
- Early Voting: It provides a way for specific groups to vote before the general election day.
- Stiffer Penalties: It introduces harsher punishments for anyone guilty of electoral malpractice.
The Critical February 2026 Deadline
The Situation Room emphasizes that timing is everything for a successful election. By law, INEC must issue the Notice of Election in February 2026. Therefore, if the President does not sign the bill before this date, INEC must use the old, flawed framework to plan the 2027 cycle.
“Electoral reform is not routine legislation; it is a time-sensitive national obligation,” Ya’u stated. He warned that this delay mirrors the 2022 cycle. In that instance, late transmission of the bill led to significant administrative hurdles for the country.
International Comparison and Criticism
The Situation Room also criticized the length of the National Assembly’s recess. For example, the group pointed out that the UK Parliament resumed on January 5. Similarly, the US Congress reconvened on January 3. In contrast, the Nigerian Senate is not scheduled to return until January 27, 2026.
Risks of continued delay include:
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Legal Uncertainty: Candidates and voters may face confusing rules.
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Operational Lag: INEC cannot finalize its manuals or train staff on new laws.
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Voter Education: Public sensitization programs will likely be delayed.
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Dispute Risks: There is a higher likelihood of post-election litigation.
The Path Forward
The Situation Room is now calling on the Senate to make the Electoral Act its absolute priority. Upon resumption, the group demands that the Senate transmit the bill to the President immediately. This will ensure the revised law is in force well before the 2027 polls.
“Nigeria cannot afford to drift into another election cycle with unresolved legal uncertainties,” the statement concluded. It highlighted that credible elections remain the bedrock of national stability.
Is the Senate’s delay a simple procedural issue or a threat to Nigerian democracy? With the February deadline fast approaching, the window for reform is closing. What are your thoughts on the proposed electronic transmission of results? Share your perspective in the comments below!
