Political commentator Osaye Uzzi has criticised the Senate of the Federal Republic for allegedly delaying the passage of proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, warning that the slow legislative process may undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Uzzi’s remarks underscore growing frustration among civil society groups, electoral reform advocates and political stakeholders who argue that the pace of deliberations in the upper chamber has stalled momentum on key changes aimed at enhancing the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The Electoral Act governs the conduct of elections in Nigeria, covering voter registration, party primaries, campaign financing, electoral offences and the management of polls. Advocates have called for comprehensive reform to address long-standing issues such as delayed election timelines, nomination disputes and logistical challenges that have historically plagued national and sub-national elections.
According to critics, amendments proposed earlier in the year by the lower chamber of the National Assembly and civil society partners have faced prolonged committee review and limited floor debate in the Senate, extending the legislative timeline beyond expectations. This has prompted calls for urgent action by Senate leadership to prioritise the bill as part of the final legislative calendar.
Stakeholders in the electoral reform conversation say comprehensive amendments are critical to instilling public confidence in the electoral process especially in light of evolving political dynamics and voter expectations ahead of the 2027 polls. Delays have raised concerns that certain reforms may not be enacted in time to govern campaign regulations and poll administration for next year’s elections.
Senate officials have maintained that thorough vetting is essential for a bill of such national importance, and that due legislative process should not be compromised. They argue that careful consideration of stakeholders’ input and potential constitutional implications require more extensive committee deliberations.
Nevertheless, reform advocates including Uzzi say the Senate should accelerate action and leverage mechanisms such as public hearings, expert testimony and cross-party collaboration to expedite passage without sacrificing legislative quality.
The debate over the pace of electoral reform highlights broader tensions between the need for institutional scrutiny and the urgency of democratic preparedness, with many Nigerians urging lawmakers to balance due process with a sense of urgency as the 2027 election season unfolds.
