The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Senate, dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC), of intentionally slowing the passage of the Electoral Bill 2025, warning that continued delays could undermine crucial reforms and threaten the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, January 31, 2026, by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
The Electoral Bill 2025 seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 with a range of proposed reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework.
Key elements of the amendments include mandatory electronic voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results, reforms that have been cited by stakeholders as critical to improving transparency and credibility.
However, the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters and subsequent action by the upper chamber have stalled progression of the bill toward final passage and presidential assent.
In its statement, the ADC said the slow pace of deliberations and continued prevarication by the National Assembly over the bill’s passage has created “serious compliance and eligibility risks” for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party warned that unclear electoral guidelines and a narrow window for implementation could hinder preparations for the polls.
The ADC highlighted the provision requiring INEC to publish notices of elections at least 360 days before a general election and noted that the limited time remaining could constrain meaningful implementation of reforms if the bill is not promptly passed.
The party said electoral clarity was essential to prevent “booby traps” for opposition parties and to give INEC adequate time to issue clear guidelines.
The opposition party also called on civil society organisations, international partners and other political parties to urge lawmakers to act swiftly, saying Nigeria cannot afford another disputed election cycle and that delays pose a risk to public confidence in the electoral process.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the delay in passing the bill raised “suspicions that the legislature, dominated by the APC ruling party, is deliberately applying delay tactics to frustrate key amendments, especially those intended to make future elections more difficult to rig.”
The ADC’s warning adds to broader concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Delays in electoral reform have been criticised by other political figures and stakeholders, who argue that unresolved amendments and legislative stalling could weaken safeguards designed to improve transparency, fairness and public trust in the electoral system.
As the National Assembly continues deliberations on the Electoral Bill 2025, the accusation by the ADC highlights growing tensions over electoral reform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s call for expedited passage of the bill underscores the urgency of legislative action to ensure credible and timely implementation of key electoral safeguards.
