ADC Accuses N’assembly of Deliberately Stalling Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2027 Polls

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concerns over delays by the national assembly in passing the 2025 electoral bill for presidential assent.

A statement on Saturday by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, said failure to promptly pass the bill raises suspicions that the legislature, which it said is dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC), is deliberately delaying amendments aimed at strengthening the credibility of elections.

The ADC said some of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that political parties must fully understand and implement.

Abdullahi said failure to allow sufficient time to study and comply with the provisions could have serious consequences for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party said a lack of clarity in the electoral framework could create “potential booby traps” for opposition parties and make it difficult for INEC to issue clear guidelines within the required timeframe.

The ADC cited the provision requiring INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election, noting that the time for adequate preparation is already limited.

The party called on the national assembly to pass the bill without further delay, adding that any postponement could threaten the integrity of the 2027 general election and undermine confidence in the process.

“Nigeria cannot afford another acrimonious or dubious election,” the party said, while urging civil society organisations, international partners, and political parties committed to democratic governance to pressure the national assembly to act swiftly.

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, had also  accused the senate of deliberately stalling the amendment process.

In a new year message in January, Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, said the upper chamber would fast-track the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.