2027 Election at Risk, Atiku Faults Senate over Electoral Bill

By Emmanuel Kwada

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised a strong alarm over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, accusing the Senate of deliberately stalling amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 and warning that such delays could pave the way for rigging in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement posted on his verified X account, Atiku described loopholes in the existing Electoral Act as a major factor that enabled what he called the “brazen rigging” of the 2023 presidential election. He argued that these flaws made it nearly impossible for petitioners to successfully challenge results in court, undermining public trust in the electoral process.

“The 2023 elections suffered from significant setbacks due to weaknesses in the Electoral Act 2022,” Atiku stated. “If the mistakes of that election are to be corrected, the legal framework guiding the 2027 and future polls must be urgently reviewed and strengthened.”

Atiku specifically criticized the Senate for what he described as a clear determination to frustrate the passage of proposed amendments.

He pointed to a recent investigative report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which highlighted how the Senate has stalled progress on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill — a measure aimed at toughening penalties for electoral fraud, improving result transmission, and closing other loopholes — despite the bill having advanced through key stages.

“The recent report by FIJ serves as both an indictment of the Senate and a timely call for legislative responsibility,” Atiku said.

He emphasized that the bill, which has reportedly completed committee review in the Senate but remains stuck in plenary, needs swift action to ensure an updated law is in place well before the 2027 elections.

“The credibility of the 2027 general elections hinges on the urgency with which the Senate treats this crucial bill,” he warned.

“It is imperative that the Senate finalises the amendments and ensures the updated law governs the conduct of the 2027 elections. Anything short of this is a deliberate attempt to rig the election long before the ballots are cast.”

Atiku’s intervention comes amid growing concerns from civil society organizations and analysts about the timeline for electoral reforms.

The House of Representatives reportedly passed aspects of the amendment bill late last year, but the Senate’s inaction has prevented the bill from advancing to the President for assent.

With less than two years until the 2027 polls, stakeholders have stressed that delays could leave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and political parties without sufficient time to adapt to new rules.

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate’s statement has amplified calls for transparency and accountability in the legislative process, with some observers viewing it as part of broader efforts to push for reforms that enhance electoral integrity.

As the National Assembly resumes sessions, all eyes are on the Senate to see whether it will prioritize the Electoral Act amendments or risk further eroding confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive 2027 election cycle.