Oshiomhole Accuses Fellow Politicians Amid Electoral Reform Debate
Concerns have been mounting among Nigerian citizens and civil society organizations regarding the authenticity of the current attempts to amend the Electoral Act 2022. Skepticism revolves around whether politicians who have historically benefited from electoral irregularities are truly committed to meaningful reform.
This apprehension arises as the National Assembly pushes to revise the Electoral Act less than three years after its enactment. Given the evident shortcomings in recent elections and the intense drive by politicians to secure victory by any means, many Nigerians doubt that lawmakers and political figures who profit from the flawed system are genuinely advocating for changes that would enhance electoral integrity.
Questions have also been raised about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s willingness to endorse such amendments. “I doubt they will enact anything that doesn’t serve their interests. If they do, it will depend on whether the president assents to it-that’s when we’ll see Tinubu’s true intentions,” remarked Lucky Uwem, a university lecturer, in an interview.
Uwem added, “I remain skeptical about the prospect of free and fair elections; what we’re witnessing seems more like a staged performance.”
Others have expressed reservations about the feasibility of completing the amendment process within the limited timeframe. “Can the lawmakers effectively implement the necessary changes so quickly? I have my doubts, especially since some amendments require constitutional changes, which are notoriously difficult,” noted Temitope Musowo, a public policy expert.
Calls from prominent politicians and advocacy groups emphasize the need for a more autonomous Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stringent prosecution of electoral offenders, and ongoing public participation in the reform process.
Political analyst Emeka Nwosu pointed out that many proponents of the amendments have themselves benefited from the current flawed system. “Expecting genuine reform from those who ascended to power through electoral misconduct is unrealistic. They will only pursue changes that protect their interests,” he said.
Similarly, Aisha Abdullahi, Executive Director of VoteWatch Africa, highlighted the persistent lack of political will as a major barrier to credible elections.
Although the 2022 amendment introduced measures like electronic result transmission and stricter campaign finance rules, observers report widespread violations, including by the electoral body itself. Vote buying, ballot tampering, and voter intimidation remain rampant, undermining the credibility of recent elections.
Following the controversies surrounding the 2023 elections, stakeholders agree that revising the Electoral Act is necessary. While progress has been slow, federal lawmakers have recently accelerated efforts to finalize the amendments.
In a public hearing organized by the Senate and House committees on Electoral Matters, the National Assembly revealed a draft amendment proposing a significant shift in the election calendar. The bill suggests holding the 2027 presidential and gubernatorial elections in November 2026-six months before the current administration’s term ends.
This adjustment, part of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, aims to ensure all election disputes are resolved before the May 29, 2027 inauguration, thereby preventing the current pattern of unresolved court cases extending into new administrations.
The draft specifies that elections for President and Governor must occur no later than 185 days before the incumbent’s term expires. Section 4(7) states: “Elections into the office of the President and Governor of a State shall be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.”
Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, explained that the reform intends to conclude all tribunal rulings within 90 days, appeals within 60 days, and Supreme Court decisions within the remaining timeframe, ensuring finality within 185 days.
To support this timeline, the National Assembly plans to amend Sections 285 and 139 of the 1999 Constitution, which currently regulate election dispute deadlines.
Additionally, lawmakers are advocating for the modernization of Nigeria’s voting system by mandating electronic voting and real-time electronic transmission of results-longstanding demands from electoral stakeholders.
Experts Urge Nigerians to Support National Assembly’s Reform Efforts
Despite public skepticism, experts encourage Nigerians to withhold judgment and support the National Assembly’s initiative, viewing it as a vital step toward fortifying Nigeria’s democracy.
“Revising the Electoral Act is essential for democratic consolidation. If lawmakers are sincere about addressing past election flaws, this effort warrants cautious optimism,” said Hameed Muritala, a media and development specialist. “The process must be transparent, inclusive, and prioritize the collective good over political expediency.”
Matthew Koffi Okono, founder and president of Open Forum, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that while the reform is overdue, it is better late than never. He noted that distrust stems from the fact that many public officials have benefited from electoral fraud.
Okono emphasized, “Although INEC under Prof Mahmood Yakubu failed to implement real-time electronic result transmission despite significant investment, citizens must demand that the National Assembly not only amend the 2022 Electoral Act but also ensure that electoral offenders-including those within the electoral body-are prosecuted as severely as those involved in attempts to undermine the state.”
Persistent Electoral Irregularities Undermine Nigeria’s Democratic Process
Despite efforts by INEC, security agencies, and election officials, Nigerian elections continue to be marred by irregularities and disputes. The country’s history of election-related violence was once again evident during the 2023 general elections.
Subsequent off-cycle elections in several states have shown little improvement. Media reports estimate that 39 people died during the 2023 elections, with the European Union election observation mission suggesting even higher figures. Official statistics remain unavailable.
Violence was reported in Lagos, Delta, Kogi, Kano, Enugu, and Ebonyi States. The EU mission also highlighted how violence disrupted voting in certain areas. Notably, the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate for Enugu East was assassinated just three days before the election.
Consequently, many election outcomes are contested in court, with judicial rulings increasingly determining winners.
As the National Assembly intensifies efforts to amend the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections, there is growing advocacy for establishing a National Electoral Offences Commission (NEOC) or an Electoral Offences Tribunal. This independent body would be empowered to investigate, prosecute, and penalize electoral crimes.
Observers argue that such an institution is necessary due to the repeated failure of electoral bodies and government agencies to effectively address electoral misconduct.
Mabel Oboh, Lagos Director of Communications for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressed the importance of creating an electoral offences commission to enhance electoral integrity. “A dedicated agency would hold perpetrators accountable and promote transparency,” she said.
Oboh also called for reforms within INEC to prevent domination by a select few, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework.