Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticised the Nigerian Senate over repeated delays in passing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the inaction could seriously undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Falana spoke during an interview on Sunday, expressing frustration that the Senate had constituted another committee to review the bill despite its passage by the House of Representatives in December 2025.
He described the move as unnecessary and accused lawmakers of deliberately prolonging the process to preserve the status quo rather than pursue meaningful electoral reforms.
According to him, the conduct of the National Assembly suggests a lack of political will to address critical flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The process gives the impression that something is being done, but in reality, it is aimed at retaining the status quo,” Falana said.
The proposed amendment bill seeks to introduce key reforms, including the electronic transmission of election results, tougher penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions against delegates induced financially to manipulate party conventions.
Falana argued that these provisions are essential to addressing longstanding weaknesses in the electoral process, but lamented that lawmakers continue to focus on amendments already covered by existing laws while ignoring enforcement failures.
He also recalled that major electoral reforms, such as the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission recommended as far back as 2008, remain unimplemented.
Falana stressed the need to clearly codify electronic accreditation and transmission of results into law, noting that ambiguities in previous elections had led to widespread controversy.
He cited the last general election, during which multiple presidential candidates claimed victory, resulting in prolonged litigation that lasted nearly a year.
“Why should it take two years to put these provisions clearly into law?” he asked.
Beyond electoral reforms, Falana addressed the prosecution of alleged military coup plotters, insisting that only the Federal High Court has constitutional authority to try treason-related offences.
He referenced Section 251(2) of the Constitution, urging the government to strictly adhere to the law.
Falana also criticised the handling of protests and demolitions by the Lagos State Government, arguing that due process and citizens’ rights were often ignored.
He maintained that while governments may carry out demolitions, affected residents must be consulted and resettled, adding that night-time demolitions involving force and tear gas violate fundamental human rights.
He further defended the right of citizens to protest and criticise public officials, describing such freedoms as essential to a democratic society.
Falana concluded by calling on Nigerians and civil society groups to intensify pressure on the National Assembly to ensure the timely passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
“Unless Nigerians are mobilised to hold lawmakers accountable, there is no indication that this bill will be passed,” he warned.
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