Tensions are rising around the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) submission of 142 proposed electoral reforms to the National Assembly, with civil society groups and political analysts expressing concern over potential delays and their implications for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Though the election cycle is still two years away, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized the urgency of legislative action on Monday. He warned that any delay in amending key sections of the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution could disrupt planning, implementation, and the credibility of the upcoming polls.
Speaking at a legislative retreat in Lagos on April 28, Yakubu urged lawmakers to finalize reforms promptly, stressing, “The Commission needs sufficient time to implement the legal framework effectively.”
Key Reform Proposals
Among INEC’s 142 recommendations are:
- Early or special voting for essential workers, diaspora citizens, inmates, and election personnel.
- Introduction of electronically downloadable voter cards as an alternative to the Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
- Creation of an Electoral Offences Commission and a Political Party Regulatory Agency.
- Constitutional amendments to reserve legislative seats for women and persons with disabilities.
These proposals are intended to deepen electoral inclusivity, streamline operations, and modernize Nigeria’s voting processes.
Legislative Bottlenecks and Political Concerns
Despite the urgency, progress remains slow. While the 9th Assembly passed significant electoral reforms before the 2023 elections, the current 10th Assembly has yet to hold public hearings on most new proposals. With only six months left in 2025, observers worry that the timeline for passing and enacting the reforms may not be met.
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, led by Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Hon. Adebayo Balogun, acknowledged the workload, stating that electoral reform is vital for democracy and must evolve with Nigeria’s political realities.
Bills in the Pipeline
Several critical bills have passed second readings in both legislative chambers, including:
- A bill mandating electronic transmission of results and synchronizing all elections on the same day.
- A proposal to update the voter register every 10 years.
- A bill for early voting by essential duty officers, sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, which would allow early ballots seven days before elections.
- Bills establishing independent bodies to regulate political parties and oversee electoral offences.
- A constitutional amendment to allow Nigerians abroad to vote.
However, efforts to mandate a rotational presidency among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones were rejected in the House, with lawmakers divided over the constitutionality and implications of such a move.
Civil Society Raises the Alarm
Civil society leaders have voiced alarm over the pace of reforms. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, warned that INEC’s planning depends on legal certainty. He urged lawmakers to conclude reforms by mid-2025 to avoid undermining election logistics.
“It’s essential to finalize these reforms this year. Delay creates ambiguity and opens the process to manipulation,” Itodo said.
He also cautioned that some reforms—such as diaspora and prisoner voting—require significant funding and preparation.
Similarly, Armsfree Ajanaku of the Grassroots Centre for Rights and Civic Orientation noted that improving access to voter IDs and simplifying PVC logistics could boost participation, particularly among marginalized groups.
Suleiman Gimba of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) stressed that electoral reform must be a routine, non-partisan process. “Leaving reforms until the last minute only invites chaos and erodes trust in the system,” he warned.
Push for Legislative Action
Speaker of the House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, assured Nigerians that electoral reform is a legislative priority. Returning from recess, he emphasized the need for swift action on bills that address Nigeria’s governance challenges, including electoral, economic, and security issues.
Deputy House Spokesman, Philip Agbese, reinforced the commitment, noting that while the reforms are vital for the 2027 elections, they are also designed to enhance Nigeria’s electoral framework in the long term.
Outlook
As the clock ticks toward 2027, the spotlight remains on the National Assembly to act decisively. With INEC calling for urgent legislative backing, civil society advocating for accountability, and multiple reform bills in limbo, the coming months will be critical in shaping the integrity and success of Nigeria’s next general elections.
