TDThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Nigeria’s National Assembly of deliberately stalling the passage of the 2025 Electoral Bill.
ADC warned that continued hesitation could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
This was contained in a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
The party expressed deep concern over what it described as “continued prevarications” by the legislature.
This, it noted, is dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Suspicions of Political Motives
According to the ADC, the failure to promptly transmit the Electoral Bill for presidential assent raises serious suspicions.
Abdullahi noted that lawmakers are intentionally delaying critical amendments designed to strengthen electoral integrity.
The party argued that the reforms were specifically crafted to make future elections harder to rig.
Any attempt to stall them could be interpreted as a deliberate strategy to weaken safeguards ahead of 2027.
“The failure to promptly pass the bill for presidential assent raises suspicions that the legislature, which is dominated by the APC, is deliberately delaying key amendments, especially those intended to make future elections more difficult to rig,” the statement read.
Compliance and Implementation Concerns
Beyond suspicions of political maneuvering, the ADC highlighted practical challenges posed by the delay.
Some of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that political parties must properly understand and implement.
The party warned that inadequate time to study and adapt to the changes could have grave implications for both political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Failure to allow sufficient time to study and implement these provisions… could have serious consequences for both political parties and INEC,” Abdullahi cautioned.
The ADC further warned that unclear or hastily implemented electoral guidelines could create “booby traps” for opposition parties and complicate INEC’s ability to issue clear and enforceable rules within the legally required timeframe.
Specific Provisions at Risk
Highlighting a particular concern, the ADC pointed to the provision mandating INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election.
With the 2027 polls less than two years away, the party argued that time is already running out for adequate preparation and compliance.
“The clock is ticking,” the statement noted.
“If the National Assembly continues to delay, INEC will be left scrambling to meet constitutional deadlines, and the credibility of the entire process will be jeopardised,” it added.
Call for Immediate Action to Civil Society, Others
The ADC therefore called on the National Assembly to pass the Electoral Bill without further delay.
It warned that any additional postponement could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
“Any postponement risks the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermines confidence in the entire electoral process.
“Nigeria cannot afford another acrimonious or dubious election,” the party declared.
In addition to its appeal to lawmakers, the ADC urged civil society organisations, international partners, and all political actors committed to democratic accountability to intensify pressure on the National Assembly to act swiftly.
“Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle without these essential safeguards,” Abdullahi said.
He stressed that reforms must be enacted well ahead of the polls to ensure transparency and fairness.
Broader Context
The controversy comes amid growing public debate over Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The 2023 elections were widely regarded as contentious.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s rulings on disputed governorship races in 2024 highlighted the importance of clear legal frameworks and robust electoral laws.
Analysts note that the 2025 Electoral Bill contains several key provisions aimed at tightening loopholes, enhancing voter confidence, and strengthening INEC’s independence.
Delays in its passage, they warn, risk repeating past mistakes and could fuel political instability.
With less than two years to the next general elections, the ADC’s warning underscores the urgency of electoral reform in Nigeria.
As political parties, civil society, and international observers watch closely, the National Assembly faces mounting pressure to act decisively.
Whether lawmakers heed the call or continue to delay will determine not only the credibility of the 2027 polls but also the trajectory of Nigeria’s democratic experiment.
