2027 at risk as Senate drags feet on electoral reforms – Falana

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and renowned rights activist Femi Falana has faulted the Nigerian Senate for what he described as deliberate delays in amending the Electoral Act, warning that continued postponement could undermine the integrity of the 2027 general elections.

Falana spoke on Sunday during an interview on Arise News, where he criticised the Senate’s decision to constitute another committee to examine the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, despite its passage by the House of Representatives in December 2025.

According to him, the latest move by the upper chamber amounts to a needless bureaucratic exercise designed to avoid meaningful reform.

“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 proposed amendment seeks to overhaul key aspects of Nigeria’s electoral process, including the electronic transmission of results, tougher punishment for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions for financial inducement of party delegates during conventions.

Falana argued that these provisions address fundamental weaknesses that have plagued the country’s elections for years, but accused lawmakers of prioritising cosmetic amendments over enforceable reforms.

“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.

He recalled that several far-reaching reforms, including the creation of an electoral offences commission proposed as far back as 2008, remain unimplemented.

Emphasising the urgency of codifying technology-driven electoral processes, Falana referenced disputes from past elections as evidence of legislative failure.

“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?” he asked.

Falana also addressed the trial of individuals accused of plotting military coups, insisting that constitutional provisions limit such cases to a specific court.

“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.

Turning to civil rights concerns, the senior lawyer condemned what he described as the Lagos State Government’s heavy-handed approach to protests and demolitions, stressing that lawful procedures must be followed.

“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 decisions protecting residents from forced evictions.

He further defended the right of citizens to criticise public officials, describing it as a cornerstone of democratic governance.

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

Falana concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society organisations to intensify pressure on the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the amendment.

“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,” he said.