Delay in Electoral Act amendment could disrupt 2027 election timetable — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that delays in amending the Electoral Act could affect preparations and the timetable for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, gave the warning on Wednesday in Abuja during an engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs), saying the timing of the amendment would determine how smoothly certain electoral activities are scheduled.

Despite the delay, he said the commission remains prepared to conduct the 2027 polls.

According to him, INEC has already submitted its recommendations on the proposed amendments to the National Assembly and is awaiting legislative action.

He explained that key activities in the election timetable might require adjustments depending on when the amended law is passed.

“The timing of the amendment could affect some aspects of the election schedule,” he said, adding that the commission would continue to operate under the existing legal framework until a new law is enacted.

Amupitan, however, reiterated INEC’s commitment to delivering a credible and transparent election.

Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the National Assembly of deliberately delaying the amendment of the Electoral Act as part of a plot to manipulate the 2027 elections.

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, argued that loopholes in the Electoral Act 2022 undermined the credibility of the previous polls and made it difficult for aggrieved parties to seek redress in court.

The Senate on Tuesday adjourned plenary after a closed-door session lasting over four hours without disclosing details of its deliberations.

Among the items listed for consideration was the Committee on Electoral Matters’ report on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026.

After the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said lawmakers discussed issues concerning the Senate and the National Assembly but provided no specifics before moving a motion to adjourn.

The upper chamber has faced growing pressure over the slow progress on the amendment bill, with stakeholders warning that prolonged delays could undermine preparations for the next general election.

Last week, civil society groups staged a protest at the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to expedite passage of the bill.

The protesters carried placards with messages such as “No more delay, pass the bill now,” “Electoral reform now,” and “Make our elections better,” describing the legislation as critical to ensuring free, fair and credible polls in 2027.