2027: Electoral reforms cannot wait
As Nigeria edges closer to its next general elections, now less than two years away, the country finds itself at a familiar but critical juncture.
Political figures have begun their manoeuvres for power, but alarmingly little attention is being directed at the foundation of any credible democracy: a reliable and modern electoral framework.
The need to review and amend Nigeria’s electoral laws is both urgent and essential. Delaying this process any further would amount to a serious abdication of responsibility.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which shoulders the bulk of electoral responsibilities and faces intense public scrutiny, has made clear its stance on the need for timely and comprehensive legal reform.
At a recent joint retreat in Lagos, attended by members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters, INEC presented a detailed roadmap aimed at overhauling the country’s electoral system.
If taken seriously and implemented, these proposals could significantly improve electoral transparency, participation, institutional accountability, and public confidence in the democratic process.
The 2023 general elections laid bare the structural weaknesses that continue to undermine Nigeria’s electoral credibility.
Despite the introduction of technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and promises of real-time transmission of results, the elections were marred by logistical failures, legal uncertainties, and deliberate manipulation by political actors.
Loopholes in the Electoral Act 2022 were exploited, and INEC was often hamstrung by ambiguous or conflicting statutory provisions.
If these flaws remain unaddressed, Nigeria risks walking into future elections—both off-cycle and general—carrying the same baggage of confusion, protracted litigation, and public disappointment.
Among INEC’s top reform priorities is the institutionalisation of early and special voting. This aims to enfranchise segments of the population that are routinely sidelined during elections: polling officials, security operatives, citizens in lawful custody who have not been convicted, and Nigerians living abroad. These groups are legally entitled to vote, yet continue to be disenfranchised by practical barriers.
INEC has recommended amendments to Section 45 of the Electoral Act, along with the introduction of a new subsection 12(2), to cater to these specific voter categories. Such a change would bring Nigeria in line with democratic best practices, where absentee and early voting mechanisms are used to guarantee inclusivity.
To improve accountability within the political ecosystem, INEC is also pushing for the establishment of two independent bodies: an Electoral Offences Commission to investigate and prosecute election-related crimes, and a Political Party Regulatory Agency to oversee party registration, ensure internal democracy, enforce compliance with electoral laws, and promote financial transparency.
To accommodate these agencies, a wide range of amendments are needed in the current Electoral Act—specifically to Sections 75 through 90, and Sections 144 and 145. These changes would allow INEC to shed overlapping duties and focus exclusively on conducting elections.
Another major concern is the practice of opportunistic candidate substitutions, often made close to election day for reasons unrelated to death. INEC has proposed amending Section 31 of the Electoral Act to stipulate that substitutions can only occur within two weeks of the publication of the final candidate list, and only in cases of death, as already stated in Sections 33 and 34.
This reform would help restore voter trust and uphold the integrity of the electoral field by preventing last-minute backdoor manoeuvring.
Political parties have also shown persistent disregard for the rules governing internal processes such as primaries and congresses. To address this, INEC wants Section 82(5) of the Act amended to impose more severe penalties on parties that fail to submit schedules or breach their own guidelines.
This is crucial for strengthening internal party democracy and ensuring that candidates emerge through fair, transparent, and lawful procedures.
Nigeria’s representative structures remain alarmingly imbalanced. Women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are grossly underrepresented. INEC has called for constitutional amendments—specifically to Sections 48, 49, 71, and 91 of the 1999 Constitution—to introduce special legislative seats for these marginalised groups. This proposal represents a long-overdue step toward genuine inclusivity in national governance.
On the matter of voter access, INEC has flagged the limitations of relying solely on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), given persistent distribution delays and technical issues. The commission is advocating revisions to Sections 47(1) and 16(1, 2, and 4) to permit the use of electronically downloadable voter cards or alternative forms of identification. This measure would modernise the process and significantly reduce barriers to participation.
To bolster public oversight and the accuracy of the voter register, INEC proposes extending the preliminary display period from 14 to 21 days, via an amendment to Section 19(2). This would allow more time for citizens to verify their details and lodge objections, thereby improving the quality of the final register.
INEC has repeatedly stressed the importance of passing these amendments without delay. Every lost day narrows the window for implementation, testing, training, and public sensitisation. The upcoming off-cycle elections offer an opportunity to pilot the new framework and fine-tune it ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The health of Nigeria’s democracy hinges on the legitimacy and efficiency of its electoral process. Electoral reform should not be treated as a partisan matter or as a procedural afterthought. It is an urgent national responsibility.
The National Assembly must act decisively and without delay. The moment calls for patriotic leadership, not political calculation.
