It’s A Deliberate Ploy!” – Lawmaker Slams Senate Over Election Bill Hold-Up

Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, former Director of Voter and Publicity Education at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has claimed that the Senate is intentionally delaying the passage of the Electoral Act.

He made the assertion on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

Osaze-Uzzi noted that with the 2027 elections approaching, the Senate should prioritize the Act’s passage. He warned that continued delays would force Nigeria to rely on the 2022 Electoral Act, which contains notable flaws.

“Evidence points to a deliberate effort by the Senate to stall the Electoral Act. The circumstantial evidence suggests it’s a calculated ploy,” he said.

He added, “Observing how events have unfolded, the delay seems intentional. While other issues, like agriculture or budget matters, are on the legislative agenda, the Electoral Act is critical. Legal experts, civil society, and media have all highlighted the flaws in the 2022 Act. Even the National Assembly recognized these gaps and attempted to send amendments to former President Buhari. We are too close to elections for such delays.”