Falana Slams Senate’s Delays on Electoral Act

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has strongly criticised the Nigerian Senate over its prolonged delay in amending the Electoral Act, warning that the development could seriously undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Falana expressed concern that with less than two years to the polls, the failure of lawmakers to conclude work on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill may negatively affect preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, key electoral reforms — including legal backing for electronic transmission of results, early release of election funds, and clearer provisions on pre-election matters — remain unresolved due to legislative inaction.

“The Senate has no justification for delaying the amendment of the Electoral Act. If the National Assembly is serious about electoral integrity, the law should have been amended long before now,” Falana said.

He warned that late amendments or rushed legislation close to election periods often create confusion, legal disputes, and logistical challenges for INEC, which could ultimately compromise the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

Falana also noted that past elections in Nigeria have shown the dangers of weak legal frameworks, stressing that electoral laws must be settled early enough to allow proper planning, voter education, and technological deployment.

He urged the National Assembly to act with urgency and place national interest above politics, adding that Nigerians deserve an electoral system that inspires confidence and reflects the will of the people.

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 polls, stakeholders have continued to call on lawmakers to fast-track the Electoral Act amendment to avoid a repeat of previous electoral controversies.