The National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani, has criticized the recently amended 2027 Electoral Act, saying it raises more questions than it answers and undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.
Sani said the law fails to address gaps exposed during the 2023 polls and creates new avenues for manipulation.
“The 2027 Electoral Act was an anti-climax. We expected the National Assembly to align with Nigerians, close loopholes, and ensure transparency. Instead, the law is opaquer and more confusing,” he said.
Sani highlighted concerns over manual result collation and transmission, arguing that reverting to paper processes in the event of power or network failures threatens electoral integrity.
“Transmission of results is a key element everyone should trust. By allowing manual handling, confidence in elections will be further eroded,” he noted.
He also criticized the tight election timetable imposed by INEC, warning it leaves little room for democratic corrections and will likely lead to litigation.
“If you rush, mistakes happen, and courts end up deciding elections. This benefits no one but those with access to resources,” Sani said.
The ADP chairman further questioned INEC’s independence and operational readiness, noting that funding delays reduce the commission’s ability to deliver credible polls.
“You need institutional independence, legal clarity, and public confidence. None of these exist at the moment,” he said.
Sani concluded that the current process favors the ruling party and threatens the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
“There appears to be a conspiracy between the National Assembly and the executive. This is inimical to democratic development,” he added.
