The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, has raised concerns that delays in passing a new Electoral Act could jeopardise the credibility and public confidence necessary for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, Nwankwo cautioned that electoral laws cannot be treated as last-minute instruments.
He stressed that heading into another election cycle without a complete legal framework would leave democratic institutions operating under uncertainty.
“We need sufficient time to prepare for elections. Certainty in electoral laws and the legal framework is crucial,” Nwankwo said, emphasising that this requirement is reinforced by international protocols, the Nigerian Constitution, and the Electoral Act itself.
He noted that the current 2022 Electoral Act mandates a 360-day notice period ahead of elections.
While this timeline is not in itself an immediate problem, Nwankwo highlighted that various announcements and procedural stipulations must still be formally issued in line with the law.
According to Nwankwo, extensive collaboration between the Senate and House of Representatives committees on electoral matters has produced a comprehensive draft for reform.
“The National Assembly has been commendable — both chambers have engaged in deliberations, reviews, and discussions, producing a robust document.
The House has passed it; the Senate has not,” he explained.
He described the remaining challenge as one of urgency rather than content.
“It’s now a matter of prioritization. The National Assembly must move swiftly. The legislative agenda makes it clear this is a bill that deserves immediate attention,” Nwankwo said.
Both chambers’ leadership have publicly affirmed their commitment to the bill.
Nwankwo cited statements from the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and the chairmen of the electoral committees as evidence of strong support. “All that is left is prioritisation,” he added.
Highlighting the narrowing timeline, Nwankwo pointed out that elections are expected in February or March 2027, leaving roughly 12 and a half months to ensure legal certainty.
He called for passage and presidential assent of the Electoral Act by the end of 2025, warning that further delays could undermine election preparations.
Addressing speculation that political reluctance may explain the Senate’s delay, Nwankwo dismissed such claims, attributing the hold-up solely to prioritisation issues.
He noted that the swift confirmation of ambassadorial nominees before the recess showed that the Senate was capable of acting quickly when a matter was deemed urgent.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could still operate under the 2022 Electoral Act, Nwankwo emphasised that the proposed amendments would improve clarity and administration.
“The draft before the National Assembly is sufficient to allow INEC to conduct a credible election, better than 2023,” he said.
Reflecting on past challenges, Nwankwo recalled the refusal of former President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Electoral Act on three occasions, a situation that left the electoral process vulnerable due to late legal adoption.
He stressed that the current bill must avoid similar delays.
The proposed reforms, Nwankwo explained, focus on clarifying key issues rather than completely overhauling the law.
These include guidelines for party agents, electronic transmission of results, voter registration requirements, and safeguards against underage voting or the issuance of voter cards to foreign nationals.
Turning to constitutional reform, Nwankwo urged the National Assembly to prioritise legislation introducing special seats for women.
He criticised Nigeria’s current representation figures as dismal, noting that only 54 of 999 legislative seats are occupied by women and that 15 states have no female representation at all.
“Passing this bill could be the National Assembly’s lasting legacy. Failing to do so would seriously undermine its credibility,” he warned.
On governance, Nwankwo expressed concern over rising economic hardship despite reforms, pointing to the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation as key contributors to inflation.
He questioned the use of increased government revenue, highlighting public frustration over perceived fiscal mismanagement.
Despite these criticisms, Nwankwo reaffirmed PLAC’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions.
“The difference between dictatorship and democracy is the National Assembly. By supporting legislative reform, constitutional review, and legal reform, we can help preserve Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.
