A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Honourable Olumide Jones, has warned that the continued delay in amending Nigeria’s Electoral Act poses a grave danger to the country’s democracy, saying the nation cannot afford legislative hesitation on issues that determine the credibility of its electoral process.
Jones expressed concern over the inability of the Senate to conclude work on the Electoral Act 2022 Repeal and Re enactment Bill 2026, following an inconclusive outcome after a prolonged closed door session on Tuesday.
He said the delay, despite clear lessons from the 2023 General Elections, should worry all Nigerians who desire transparent and credible elections.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Yanju Uwala, the PDP chieftain said the slow pace of action by the upper chamber was sending the wrong signal to citizens who expect trust, fairness and certainty in the democratic process.
“Nigeria cannot afford legislative hesitation on matters that define the credibility of its democracy. The continued delay in amending the Electoral Act, despite clear lessons from the 2023 General Elections, is a cause for deep national concern,” he said.
Jones noted that although the Electoral Act 2022 introduced important reforms, the last election cycle exposed several weaknesses that now require urgent attention.
According to him, issues surrounding electronic transmission of results, enforcement of electoral offences, conduct of party primaries and accountability for malpractice were among the gaps that must be addressed without further delay.
“While the Electoral Act 2022 introduced important reforms, its weaknesses were exposed during the last election cycle, particularly in the areas of electronic result transmission, enforcement of electoral offences, party primaries, and accountability for malpractice. These gaps must be addressed urgently, not postponed indefinitely,” he added.
He warned that democracy thrives on certainty, not ambiguity, stressing that every delay in reforming the electoral law weakens public confidence and creates room for manipulation.
Jones, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for releasing the timetable for the 2027 general elections and commencing early preparations.
He said the move showed institutional readiness, but cautioned that the electoral body could not function optimally without an updated legal framework.
“However, no electoral body can operate at its full potential without a clear and updated legal framework. Elections must not be organised on shaky legal ground,” he said.
The PDP chieftain further reminded lawmakers that electoral laws exist to protect the mandate of the people, not the interests of political actors.
He urged members of the National Assembly to rise above partisan considerations and recognise that credible elections are central to national stability, economic confidence and international respect.
Calling for urgent action, Jones said the amendment of the Electoral Act should be treated as a national emergency.
He said provisions relating to election technology must be clear, compulsory and enforceable, while electoral offences should attract stronger penalties and swift prosecution.
He also called for continuous engagement with INEC and civil society organisations to guide the reform process, adding that Nigerians must be kept informed through transparent legislative communication.
Meanwhile, a seven member committee was constituted last week following extensive debates on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act.
The committee is expected to collate, harmonise and distil contributions from lawmakers and present a consolidated report to guide further consideration of the bill.
The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Niyi Adegbomore. Other members are Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye and Titus Zam.
