Atiku Urges Senate to Amend Electoral Act to Prevent 2027 Election Rigging

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Nigerian Senate to urgently review and amend the Electoral Act 2022, warning that unresolved loopholes in the law could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections. He argued that weaknesses in the current framework contributed to alleged irregularities during the 2023 polls and must be addressed without delay to safeguard future elections.

In a statement published on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Atiku said the existing legal provisions made it “nearly impossible for petitioners to advance their cases in the courts,” a situation he believes enabled what he described as widespread electoral malpractice. He stressed that timely legislative action is critical to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Atiku Call for Urgent Legislative Review

Atiku maintained that lessons from the 2023 general elections remain fresh and should compel lawmakers to act swiftly. According to him, the Electoral Act 2022, though a significant reform at the time of its passage, contained gaps that weakened electoral accountability and judicial redress.

Atiku urged the Senate to prioritise amendments that would strengthen the legal framework governing elections, ensuring transparency and fairness. Atiku warned that failure to correct these shortcomings could repeat past mistakes and erode voter trust ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The former vice president emphasised that any amendments must be concluded well before 2027 to allow electoral institutions, political parties, and voters to fully understand and operate under the revised law.

Allegations of Delay and Legislative Inaction

Expressing concern over what he described as deliberate delays, Atiku accused the Senate of frustrating efforts to amend the Electoral Act. He referenced a recent report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which he said highlighted legislative inaction and served as an indictment of the National Assembly’s handling of the matter.

According to Atiku, such delays risk politicising the reform process and could be interpreted as an attempt to influence future electoral outcomes. He warned that postponing amendments until close to the 2027 elections would undermine their effectiveness and credibility.

He further stated that the urgency with which the Senate treats the bill would determine the integrity of the next general elections, adding that electoral reforms should rise above partisan interests.

Warning on the Credibility of the 2027 Elections

Atiku cautioned that the credibility of the 2027 polls depends largely on whether the amended law is enacted and implemented in time. He argued that anything short of finalising the amendments well ahead of the elections would amount to premeditated electoral manipulation.

Reiterating his position, he said the Senate must ensure that the updated Electoral Act governs the conduct of the 2027 elections and subsequent polls. He concluded that proactive reforms are essential to prevent disputes, reduce litigation, and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.