NEWS UPDATE: SENATE DELAYS THREATEN 2027 POLLS, FALANA WARNS

 SENATE DELAYS THREATEN 2027 POLLS, FALANA WARNS


A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticised the Nigerian Senate over what he described as persistent delays in amending the Electoral Act, warning that the action could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Falana made the remarks during an interview on Arise News on Sunday, reacting to the Senate’s decision to set up another committee to review the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, despite the House of Representatives passing the bill in December 2025.

According to him, the move reflects a lack of political will to implement meaningful electoral reforms and instead preserves the existing system.

Falana argued that the repeated reviews and postponements give the impression that lawmakers are addressing electoral reforms, while in reality avoiding substantive changes.

He noted that the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process by addressing key gaps that have persisted over the years.

The bill includes provisions for electronic transmission of election results, stricter penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions against party delegates who accept financial inducements during primaries.

Falana expressed concern that lawmakers appear more interested in revisiting issues already covered by existing laws rather than ensuring effective enforcement of electoral regulations.

He also recalled that recommendations such as the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, first proposed in 2008, have yet to be implemented.

Citing controversies from previous elections, Falana stressed the need to clearly codify electronic accreditation and result transmission into law to avoid conflicting interpretations.

He referenced the prolonged legal disputes following the last presidential election, noting that electoral ambiguities continue to weaken public confidence in the system.

Beyond electoral matters, Falana commented on the prosecution of individuals accused of plotting military coups, stating that only the Federal High Court has the constitutional authority to try treason-related offences, as provided under Section 251(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

He also criticised the handling of protests and demolitions in Lagos State, insisting that government actions must follow due process and respect citizens’ rights to dignity and housing.

Falana further defended the rights of protesters, emphasising that criticism of public officials is a fundamental pillar of democracy and should not be met with repression.

He concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society organisations to actively pressure the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, without sustained public engagement, there is little indication that the proposed reforms will be enacted.

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