Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, has criticized the Nigerian Senate for repeatedly postponing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that such delays will jeopardize the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

Falana voiced frustration in an interview with Arise News on Sunday about the Senate’s plan to form yet another committee to evaluate the law, which the House of Representatives had already passed in December 2025.

He condemned the process as needless and focused on maintaining the existing quo rather than tackling essential election reforms.

“Clearly, from the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is very clear that the members simply want the status quo retained.

“This rigmarole is meant to give the impression to Nigerians that the proposed Electoral Act is being addressed,” Falana said.

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill attempts to make important changes to Nigeria’s electoral system.

It includes provisions for electronic transmission of election results, stricter penalties for vote buying, voting rights for inmates, and fines against delegates who are financially influenced to manipulate party conventions.

Falana stated that these adjustments close long-standing holes in the system.

He accused lawmakers of focusing on issues already addressed by current legislation while failing to ensure that election procedures are effectively enforced.

“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity. The only politically important issue today is the gale of defections in Nigeria, yet the National Assembly focuses on time-wasting amendments,” he said.

Falana also mentioned that significant election changes, such as the establishment of an electoral crimes commission, which was proposed in 2008, had yet to be implemented.

He emphasized the importance of clearly codifying electronic accreditation and result transmission by law, recalling past election difficulties.

“Last election, we were subjected to a national disgrace when three leading presidential candidates claimed to have won. That election petition lasted 10 months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions in law?” Falana asked.

Beyond election issues, Falana spoke on the prosecution of accused military coup plotters, claiming that only the Federal High Court has the constitutional right to trial treason-related crimes.

“Under the current democratic dispensation, it is only the Federal High Court that is empowered, by virtue of Section 251(2) of the Constitution, to try treason and allied offences. The government must adhere to this law,” he said.

He also criticized the Lagos State Government’s handling of protests and demolitions, alleging that due process and individuals’ rights were frequently violated.

“If the government wants to demolish, no problem. But you must discuss and place them in another location. Two, our people are entitled to the right to dignity and housing. Actions in the dead of the night using tear gas are not lawful,” Falana said, citing court rulings protecting residents from unlawful displacement.

Falana also defended demonstrators’ rights, stating that criticism of public authorities was essential to democracy.

“Vulgar abuse cannot attract a defamatory action… criticism is indispensable in a democratic society,” he said, while condemning the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters at Alausa.

He concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society groups to hold lawmakers accountable to ensure the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

“Unless Nigerians are mobilised to pressure the National Assembly, the new electoral bill will not be passed. There is no indication that it will be passed unless we act,” Falana said