Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist Femi Falana has sharply criticised the Nigerian Senate’s repeated postponement of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the delays could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with Arise News on Sunday, Falana condemned the Senate’s decision to set up yet another committee to review the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, despite the House of Representatives having passed the bill in December 2025. He described the ongoing legislative delay as a “rigmarole” aimed at maintaining the status quo rather than addressing urgent electoral 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 bill, which includes provisions for electronic transmission of results, stricter penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions against delegates financially induced to manipulate party conventions, has been under discussion for months. Falana criticized lawmakers for wasting time on amendments already covered by existing laws and for failing to enforce electoral provisions effectively.
“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity. The only political, important issue today is the gale of defections in Nigeria, yet the National Assembly focuses on time-wasting amendments,” Falana noted, highlighting that previous electoral reforms, including the establishment of an electoral offences commission recommended in 2008, have not been implemented.
Falana also stressed the importance of codifying electronic accreditation and results transmission into law, citing controversies in previous elections where multiple candidates claimed victory. “Last election, we were subjected to a national disgrace when three leading presidential candidates claimed to have won. That election petition lasted ten months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions in law?” he asked.
Beyond electoral reform, Falana addressed the handling of alleged military coup plotters and the rights of citizens in Lagos, emphasizing constitutional safeguards. On the coup trials, he insisted, “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.”
Regarding protests and demolitions in Lagos, Falana condemned the state government’s approach. “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,” he said, citing multiple court rulings that have protected residents from unlawful displacement.
Falana further defended the protesters’ rights, pointing out that “vulgar abuse cannot attract a defamatory action… criticism is indispensable in a democratic society,” and criticized the violent response to peaceful demonstrations at Alausa.
He concluded with a warning to Nigerians and civil society to hold lawmakers accountable: “Unless Nigerians are mobilized 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.”
Boluwatife Enome
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