No More Changes Before 2027 Polls! Senate Takes Firm Position On Electoral Act

The Nigerian Senate has ruled out reviewing the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the National Assembly has completed the legislative process and that the law will guide the conduct of the forthcoming polls.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, disclosed this while explaining the legislature’s position on calls for further amendments to the electoral law.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Adaramodu maintained that lawmakers would not introduce fresh changes to the legislation while political parties and other stakeholders were preparing for the 2027 elections.

“We have already done the electoral reform and passed that one; it is meant for the 2027 elections,” the senator stated.

He explained that any decision to review the law would be considered after the elections, depending on whether concerns were raised or lawmakers identified provisions requiring further adjustments.

“It is only after the elections that we can consider a review if there is any necessity or calls for amendments and rejigging,” he added.

Adaramodu also encouraged individuals and organisations dissatisfied with any aspect of the legislation to submit formal petitions to the Senate for consideration.

However, he reiterated that the National Assembly had concluded its work on the electoral law and would not reopen the amendment process before the forthcoming general elections.

The senator’s comments followed a Supreme Court judgment that overturned an earlier Court of Appeal decision declaring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 unconstitutional.

In a unanimous decision delivered by a seven-member panel, the Supreme Court restored the disputed provisions, which relate to political party membership registers and procedures for nominating candidates for elections.

The ruling has brought renewed attention to the legal framework governing political parties and candidate selection ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the Senate maintaining its position against a pre-election review, the existing provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 are expected to remain the basis for preparations for the forthcoming polls, subject to any further judicial developments.