Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has faulted the Nigerian Senate over the continued postponement of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the delays pose a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Falana raised the concern during an interview on Arise News on Sunday, expressing disappointment at the Senate’s decision to constitute another committee to review the bill, despite its passage by the House of Representatives in December 2025.
He described the move as unnecessary and a deliberate attempt to maintain the status quo rather than address urgent electoral reforms needed to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“From the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is clear that members simply want the status quo retained. This rigmarole is meant to give Nigerians the impression that the Electoral Act is being addressed,” Falana said.
The proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill seeks to introduce far-reaching reforms, including electronic transmission of election results, tougher penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions for party delegates induced financially to manipulate conventions.
Falana argued that these provisions address long-standing weaknesses in Nigeria’s electoral system but accused lawmakers of focusing on amendments already covered by existing laws while neglecting effective enforcement.
“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 is busy with time-wasting amendments,” he said.
He also recalled that critical reforms, such as the establishment of an electoral offences commission recommended as far back as 2008, are yet to be implemented.
According to Falana, the absence of clear legal backing for electronic accreditation and transmission of results has continued to fuel post-election controversies.
“During the last election, Nigerians witnessed a national embarrassment where three leading presidential candidates claimed victory. The election petition lasted 10 months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions into law?” he asked.
Beyond electoral matters, Falana commented on the prosecution of alleged military coup plotters, insisting that only the Federal High Court has the constitutional authority to try treason-related offences.
“Under our democratic dispensation, it is only the Federal High Court, by virtue of Section 251(2) of the Constitution, that can try treason and allied offences. The government must obey the law,” he said.
Falana also criticised the Lagos State Government over the handling of protests and demolitions, accusing authorities of ignoring due process and citizens’ rights.
“If the government wants to demolish, there is no problem, but affected persons must be consulted and relocated. Our people are entitled to dignity and housing. Actions carried out in the dead of the night with tear gas are unlawful,” he said, citing court rulings against forced evictions.
Defending the rights of protesters, Falana stressed that criticism of public officials is fundamental to democracy, while condemning the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters at Alausa.
“Vulgar abuse cannot ground a defamation action. Criticism is indispensable in a democratic society,” he stated.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians and civil society organisations to pressure lawmakers to ensure the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
“Unless Nigerians are mobilised to hold the National Assembly accountable, this bill will not be passed. There is no indication it will see the light of day unless we act,” Falana warned.
