2027: Atiku, Situation Room demand urgent action on Electoral Act

2027 – Atiku and Situation Room Demand Urgent Action on Electoral Act

In Abuja, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room have sounded a strong alarm over the delay in passing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, a crucial legislation intended to shape the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Their call reflects growing concern that the Senate’s inaction could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process and repeat past mistakes that weakened electoral credibility.

Atiku, speaking through his social media platforms, criticized the Senate for frustrating the passage of amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act. He argued that the failure to amend the law had already paved the way for widespread irregularities during the 2023 elections, leaving petitioners with little chance of advancing their cases in court.

He stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections hinges on the urgency with which the Senate finalizes the amendments, warning that any delay amounts to rigging the election long before ballots are cast.

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, represented by its convener Yunusa Ya’u, reinforced this position at a press conference in Abuja. Ya’u highlighted that the House of Representatives had already passed the bill on December 23, 2025, after extensive deliberations.

The bill seeks to address key weaknesses observed in recent elections, including providing clearer legal backing for electronic transmission of results, introducing early voting, and imposing tougher sanctions for electoral offences.

Despite this progress, the Senate has stalled, having stepped down the bill after its second reading in October 2025 due to procedural issues, and failing to revisit it before adjourning for the year.

Ya’u described the delay as inexcusable, emphasizing that electoral reform is not routine legislation but a time-sensitive national obligation. He warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is legally required to issue a notice of election in February, and without a revised legal framework, the entire 2027 election cycle could be jeopardized.

He further noted that the delay mirrors a dangerous historical pattern, recalling how the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill failed to receive presidential assent in time because it was transmitted late to the presidency.

Both Atiku and the Situation Room insist that the Senate must prioritize the bill upon resumption on January 27, ensuring its passage and assent well before INEC’s deadlines. 

They argue that anything short of this would compromise Nigeria’s electoral reform process, weaken public trust, and risk repeating the failures of past elections. 

Their demand underscores the urgency of legislative responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic future.