The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Nigerian Senate of “delay tactics” over the electoral act.
Spokesperson of the Coalition Party, Bolaji Abdullahi, said, the ADC is “deeply concerned” by the incessant “prevarications” of the National Assembly as regards the 2025 Electoral Bill.
Bolaji said, the failure by NASS to pass the bill “promptly” for Presidential assent sparks “suspicions” that the APC-dominated legislature is intentionally “delaying” crucial amendments.
He said, some amendments are meant to ensure future elections become “more difficult to rig”.
The statement on X signed by the ADC Spox on Saturday 31 January, 2026, reads: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply concerned by the continued prevarications of the National Assembly over the 2025 Electoral Bill.
“Failure to promptly pass the bill for presidential assent raises suspicions that the legislature, which is dominated by the APC, is deliberately delaying key amendments, especially those that are intended to make future elections more difficult to rig.”
The Statement further reads: “The ADC also notes that some of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that must be fully understood and met by political parties. Failure to slow sufficient time to study and implements these provisions, being what is publicly available, could have serious consequences for both political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“For example, the provision requiring INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before the general election remains in effect. This means that even now, there is very little time left for adequate preparation and compliance.
“The ADC therefore calls on the National Assembly to pass the bill without further delay. Any postponement risks the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermines confidence in the entire electoral process. Nigeria cannot afford another acrimonious or dubious election.
“The ADC also urges civil society organisations, international partners, and all political parties committed to accountable democratic governance to pressure the National Assembly to act swiftly, as Nigerians cannot afford another electoral cycle without these essential safeguards.”
Replies to Bolaji Abdullahi:
@CAspirewealth wrote: “You’re expecting a National Assembly that spends its mornings singing ‘On Your Mandate We Shall Stand’ like a choir to actually sit down and pass a bill that stops rigging?”
@idris_senator wrote: “This concern is both valid and timely. Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford another cycle of weak reforms and avoidable loopholes in our electoral process. Delaying the Electoral Bill only deepens public distrust and fuels suspicion about hidden agendas.
“If the National Assembly is truly committed to credible elections, transparency, accountability, and the will of the people, then urgent passage of this bill is non-negotiable. Our democracy deserves better, and Nigerians are watching.”
@idofoi wrote: “You and your party that cannot put together a proper list, making noise about the electoral bill. Na wa.”
