Lawmakers Target Loopholes To Strengthen 2027 Polls Amid Public Skepticism
The National Assembly announced plans on July 16, 2025, to amend the Electoral Act to address loopholes exposed in the 2023 elections, as reported by Leadership. The proposed amendments, led by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, aim to strengthen INEC’s autonomy, clarify result transmission protocols, and impose harsher penalties for electoral offenses. The move follows public outcry over disputed polls in states like Rivers and Kano.
APC lawmakers supported the amendments, citing Tinubu’s commitment to electoral reform, while PDP’s Chukwuma Onyema cautioned against partisan changes. Civil society groups, including the Electoral Reform Network, welcomed the initiative but demanded public consultation to ensure transparency. Social media reactions on X show mixed sentiments, with urban voters in Abuja optimistic and rural voters in Sokoto skeptical of enforcement. Analysts, quoted by Leadership, noted that Nigeria’s 2023 voter turnout of 27% reflects distrust that amendments must address.
The bill’s passage could enhance INEC’s credibility, but challenges include securing bipartisan support and addressing judicial delays in election disputes. The amendments have sparked national debates, with stakeholders urging swift action to bolster democratic trust before 2027. The National Assembly’s move is a critical step toward credible elections, with implications for Nigeria’s global democratic standing.
