The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has expressed concern over the failure of the National Assembly to conclude the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill in 2025, citing continued delay by the Senate in acting on a bill already passed by the House of Representatives.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u, the group said the delay, now extended by the National Assembly’s recess into 2026, poses a risk to Nigeria’s electoral reform process and preparations for the 2027 General Elections.
The House of Representatives had passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill at third reading on December 23, 2025.
The bill seeks to address gaps identified in recent elections, including provisions on electronic transmission of results, early voting, and stiffer penalties for electoral offences.
According to Ya’u, the Senate has not completed action on the bill despite passing it at second reading on October 22, 2025.
“The bill was reportedly stepped down over procedural issues and was not returned for final consideration before the Senate adjourned for the end-of-year recess. The joint committees of both chambers had publicly committed in October 2025 to ensure passage of the bill before the end of the year.
“Electoral reform is not routine legislation. It is a time-sensitive national obligation. The Senate’s failure to conclude action on a Bill already passed by the House reflects poor prioritisation, weak inter-chamber coordination, and a troubling disregard for Nigeria’s electoral timelines, ” the statement partly read.
He warned that the delay could affect preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which is required by law to issue the Notice of Election in February 2026.
Ya’u said the bill must be passed and assented to well before then to allow INEC plan and operate under a revised legal framework ahead of the 2027 polls.
“INEC is legally required to issue the Notice of Election in February 2026. Situation Room stresses that for INEC to plan, implement, and sensitise stakeholders under a revised legal framework, the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill must be passed and assented to well before then. Any further delay, it warned, places the entire 2027 election cycle at risk, “he said.
Ya’u also noted that the delay mirrors past challenges, recalling that the 2022 Electoral Act Amendment Bill failed to receive presidential assent in time because it was transmitted late.
He further criticised the prolonged legislative recess, comparing it with other democracies where parliaments resume early in the year despite pending national priorities.
“The prolonged National Assembly recess, noting that legislatures in other democracies do not remain inactive when urgent national priorities are outstanding. It pointed out that the UK Parliament resumed sittings on 5 January 2026 and that the US Congress is constitutionally required to reconvene on 3 January each year, ” he said.
He warned that continued delay could lead to uncertainty in the electoral legal framework, delayed voter education, operational challenges for INEC, and increased risk of electoral disputes.
Ya’u said, “We call on the National Assembly, and particularly the Senate, to: Immediately prioritise and pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill upon resumption on 27 January 2026without further delay.
“Ensure immediate transmission of the Bill to the President for assent upon passage, so the revised legal framework is in force well ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“Strengthen inter-chamber coordination between the Senate and the House of Representatives to prevent further legislative bottlenecks on priority national legislation.
“Credible elections are the foundation of democratic governance and national stability. Nigeria cannot afford to drift into another election cycle with unresolved legal uncertainties.”
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