Electoral Act Gaps Threaten 2027 Polls, Stakeholders Demand Reforms
Electoral Act Gaps Threaten Credibility of 2027 Elections
AS Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, concerns over the Electoral Act 2022 have resurfaced, with stakeholders warning that unaddressed loopholes could undermine the credibility of the polls. Analysts, civil society groups, and political actors point to ambiguities in electronic transmission of results, weak enforcement of sanctions for electoral offences, and persistent vote-buying as key threats to free and fair elections.
Despite widespread praise for the 2022 Act as a bold reform, the 2023 general elections exposed vulnerabilities that many argue could be exploited unless addressed. “The law, though progressive, remains vulnerable to elite manipulation and weak enforcement,” said Bernard Mikko, a former National Assembly member.
Electronic Transmission of Results Remains Contentious
Sections 50 and 60 of the Act allow for the use of electronic devices for voter accreditation and result collation, but they stop short of making real-time electronic transmission compulsory. During the 2023 presidential election, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) performed well in verifying voters, yet the failure to upload results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) triggered widespread suspicion, legal disputes, and public outrage.
Political observers argue that unless amendments make e-transmission mandatory, with defined timelines, redundancy systems, and sanctions, administrative discretion will continue to shape outcomes, particularly in closely contested races.
Electoral Offences: Impunity Persists
Another major concern is the weak enforcement of penalties for electoral malpractice. Sections 121 to 129 of the Act outline offences such as vote-buying, intimidation, and result falsification, yet prosecution remains selective and slow.
During the 2023 elections, police reports indicate 781 arrests linked to 489 recorded infractions, with many cases yet to result in convictions. INEC reported compiling 1,076 case files across 35 states, yet only 774 offenders were actively prosecuted. Observers say this perpetuates a culture of impunity, undermining public confidence.
Stakeholders have repeatedly advocated for the establishment of an independent Electoral Offences Commission to professionalise investigations and prosecutions, thereby deterring malpractice and ensuring voters’ choices are respected.
Money Politics and Vote-Buying Threats
Campaign finance regulation also remains a weak spot. Despite prescribed spending limits, enforcement is lax, and vote-buying has become increasingly normalized. In 2023, candidates allegedly used cash, food, and digital incentives to sway voters. Reform advocates are calling for tougher penalties, better financial disclosure, and real-time monitoring of campaign spending. Some suggest candidate disqualification in egregious cases, arguing fines alone are insufficient against wealthy political actors.
Internal Party Democracy and Primaries
Political parties continue to manipulate candidate selection despite Section 84 of the Act, which seeks to regulate primaries. Issues such as forced consensus, delegate list manipulation, and arbitrary substitutions have fueled pre-election litigation, often spilling into general elections and creating voter confusion. Afenifere spokesman Jare Ajayi calls for stricter standards for internal democracy, stronger sanctions against parties, and clear timelines to prevent endless court disputes.
Stakeholders Urge Judicial Intervention and Reforms
Elder statesman Tanko Yakassai warns that expecting the National Assembly to reform an Act that benefits lawmakers is unrealistic. “They are the greatest beneficiaries of the present Electoral Act,” he said, urging dissatisfied Nigerians to seek judicial remedies. Former Senate Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora added that credible elections in 2027 depend on urgent amendments, including compulsory electronic result transmission and pre-election resolution of disputes.
Other stakeholders, including Pogu Bitrus of the Middle Belt Forum and SDP National Secretary Olu Agunloye, echo calls for enhanced INEC autonomy, stricter campaign finance enforcement, and clear legal backing for electronic voting.
Amendments Underway: Electoral Bill 2025
Legislative sources reveal that the Electoral Bill 2025, intended to amend and replace the 2022 Act, will be fast-tracked once the National Assembly resumes later in January. The Senate has passed the second reading, and the bill is under committee review, with harmonisation between both chambers expected to conclude before February.
Key proposals include early voting for essential workers, diaspora voting, expanded voter identification options using NIN and passports, establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, stiffer penalties for vote-buying and intimidation, and clearer roles for security agencies. Analysts believe these measures could significantly improve transparency, reduce litigation, and enhance public trust in the 2027 polls.
