Atiku Faults Ballot Clause, Calls for Urgent Review of Electoral Act

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to urgently revisit provisions of the Electoral Act, warning that a controversial clause could undermine the credibility of elections if not amended. His concerns come weeks after Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, following its passage by the National Assembly.

In a statement issued through his aide, Atiku criticised a specific section of the law that permits the acceptance of ballot papers lacking official marks at the discretion of electoral officers. He warned that such discretion introduces ambiguity into a process that demands strict transparency and consistency.

Atiku Concerns Over Ballot Integrity

At the centre of Atiku’s criticism is Section 63 of the Electoral Act, which allows a returning officer to decide whether a ballot paper without an official mark should be counted. According to him, this provision weakens the integrity of the voting process by introducing subjective judgment into what should be a strictly regulated procedure.

He stressed that a ballot paper is not merely a piece of paper but a legal instrument that must meet defined standards to be considered valid. Allowing discretion, he argued, opens the door to potential manipulation and could lead to disputes over election outcomes.

Atiku further noted that the clause is not new but was retained from previous electoral frameworks without sufficient safeguards. In his view, this reflects a lack of due diligence by lawmakers in protecting the sanctity of the ballot and ensuring public confidence in the system.

Atiku Call for Legislative and Institutional Action

The former Vice President urged the National Assembly to act swiftly in reviewing and amending the contentious provision. He emphasised that democracy cannot thrive on ambiguity, particularly in matters as fundamental as the electoral process.

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen its operational guidelines. This, he said, would help ensure that electoral officers are not placed in situations where personal judgment could override clear and verifiable standards.

In addition, Atiku appealed to international observers and democratic partners to closely monitor Nigeria’s electoral framework. He maintained that the credibility of future elections depends not only on the conduct of the process but also on the strength and clarity of the laws guiding it.

Responsibility of Leadership and Oversight

Atiku extended his critique to the broader leadership structure, stressing that those in positions of authority must exercise vigilance in safeguarding democratic institutions. He pointed out that critical legislation, especially those affecting elections, should undergo rigorous scrutiny before being signed into law.

Referring to President Tinubu’s assent to the amended Act, Atiku argued that such documents must pass the highest standards of integrity testing. He warned that any signal suggesting flexibility in electoral rules could erode public trust and weaken democratic stability.

The Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment), signed at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly after its passage, has since sparked debate among political stakeholders. Analysts say the controversy highlights ongoing concerns about electoral reforms and the need for continuous review of Nigeria’s legal framework.