By Vera Opia
Abuja — Advocacy and legal reform organisation, AdvoKC, has criticised the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 passed by the Senate, warning that the legislation provides no meaningful protection for voters and does not guarantee credible elections ahead of 2027.
The group made this known in a statement signed by its Communications Manager, Luqman Adam, describing the bill as a setback that entrenches the same weaknesses that undermined the credibility of the 2023 general elections.
According to AdvoKC, rather than strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework, the amendment prioritises political convenience and leaves the voting process vulnerable to manipulation.
“The bill does not move Nigeria forward. It drags the electoral process backwards and shields it from scrutiny at a time when public trust in elections is already fragile,” Adam said.
He noted that Nigerians had consistently demanded transparency, certainty and accountability from electoral reforms, but argued that the Senate’s action failed to respond to those expectations.
Adam particularly faulted the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of results, warning that it removes certainty from the electoral process and makes transparency discretionary.
“When transparency is optional, fraud remains possible. This is the same discretion that produced so-called technical glitches and fuelled disputes after the 2023 elections,” he said.
The statement also expressed concern over the reduction of the Notice of Election period from 360 days to 180 days, describing it as a move that could undermine preparedness and expose voters to disenfranchisement.
“Shortened timelines recreate the conditions for rushed preparations, logistical failures and late deployment of materials. Nigerians have experienced this chaos before,” Adam said.
On vote buying, AdvoKC criticised the weakening of penalties under the amendment, arguing that a ₦5 million fine is inadequate in an electoral system where large sums of money are deployed.
“A ₦5 million fine is more of a fee than a deterrent. By lowering the cost of electoral malpractice, the Senate has effectively normalised it and placed democracy on sale,” the statement said.
Adam also condemned the removal of Clause 142, which would have simplified the presentation of evidence in election petitions, saying it makes it harder for citizens to challenge electoral non-compliance.
According to him, the decision preserves an outdated system where justice is delayed by technicalities and prolonged oral testimony rather than determined by clear documentary evidence.
The group warned that if the bill is allowed to stand, it could compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections even before voting begins.
“This amendment offers no new protection for voters and no real assurance of credible elections. It is regression disguised as reform,” Adam said.
AdvoKC called on members of the Conference Committee to reject the Senate’s version of the bill during harmonisation and urged lawmakers to pursue genuine reforms that protect votes, enforce accountability and restore public trust in the electoral process.
“If this bill is allowed to stand, the credibility of the 2027 elections will be compromised before a single ballot is cast,” the statement warned.