The European Union (EU), through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, has convened a retreat for the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters to reform Nigeria’s Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general election. The initiative aims to address systemic issues identified from the 2023 general elections.
Jointly supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and implemented by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI), the initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The retreat brought together members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters to deliberate on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution. These proposed changes are informed by emerging challenges observed during the 2023 elections, recent judicial pronouncements, and concerns over undemocratic practices among political parties.
Following a comprehensive review of the 2023 elections in August 2024, INEC consolidated recommendations from domestic and international observers, including the EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM), resulting in 140 proposals. In response, the Commission is advocating for four constitutional amendments and eleven amendments to the Electoral Act.
Proposed constitutional changes include provisions for early or special voting, the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission and a Political Party Regulatory Agency, INEC’s authority to appoint and discipline Directors of Election, and the allocation of special seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Electoral Act amendments seek to eliminate ambiguities around terms such as “transfer,” clarify INEC’s power to review election results, ensure early disbursement of election funds, introduce early voting, and establish penalties for political parties that breach election regulations. Additional amendments propose an extension of the voter register display period, broader voter ID options, and clearer rules on candidate substitution and party agent accreditation.
Addressing participants, FCDO Governance Adviser, Dr. Mathew Ayibakuro, expressed optimism about the reform process, stating: “We are quite hopeful that the current reform process will produce a robust framework that will outlive the immediate need for further reforms after the next general elections.”
Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, representing Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun, stressed that the retreat responds to the growing clamour for electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of Nigerians.
“The last general election, with its attendant petitions, has certainly sparked yet another round of debate about the need to reform our electoral legal framework so that we can ensure, at the very minimum, that the declared results reflect the true wishes of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He noted that the success of any reform would depend on strong collaboration between the National Assembly and INEC.
Also speaking, co-chair of the event and Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, emphasised the need for bipartisan engagement.
“This is a monumental task that requires careful thought, bipartisan collaboration, and the collective will to put national interests above all,” he said.
With less than two years until the 2027 elections, INEC Chair, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, appealed to the National Assembly to act swiftly on the legal reforms.
“I wish to appeal to the National Assembly to expedite action to conclude the electoral legal reform speedily so that the Commission will have enough time for implementation of any new laws,” he said.
PLAC Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, also expressed hope that the National Assembly would conclude all constitutional and electoral amendments before the end of 2025.
The National Assembly has set December 2025 as the deadline for finalising all amendments to the 1999 Constitution. As part of its commitment to democratic governance, the EU remains a key partner in supporting this process.
