A former director at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, has accused the Nigerian Senate of deliberately delaying the passage of a new Electoral Act.
Osaze-Uzzi previously served as director of voter and publicity education at INEC.
Concerns Over 2023 General Election
The credibility of Nigeria’s 2023 general election remains under scrutiny.
Civil society organisations and other stakeholders say the 2022 Electoral Act contained gaps.
They argue that these flaws weakened the conduct and outcome of the election.
Electoral Act Amendment Bill Before the National Assembly
Lawmakers introduced the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2025, to fix the loopholes.
The House of Representatives has already passed the bill.
However, the Senate has yet to act on it.
Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill
The bill seeks to mandate INEC to transmit election results electronically from polling units.
It also proposes changes to the timeline for election petitions.
Under the bill, all election-related cases must end before May 29.
May 29 is the swearing-in day for elected officials.
Osaze-Uzzi Alleges Deliberate Delay
Osaze-Uzzi spoke on Arise Television’s News Night programme on Tuesday.
He said available evidence shows the Senate is intentionally slowing down the process.
He warned that the delay could undermine future elections.
Deadline Looms Ahead of 2027 Elections
Nigeria’s Electoral Act requires amendments at least 360 days before an election.
This means the Senate must pass the bill by February.
Osaze-Uzzi warned that missing the deadline could force Nigeria to conduct the 2027 elections under the flawed 2022 Electoral Act.
Call for Urgent Senate Action
The former INEC official urged the Senate to act quickly.
He said timely passage of the bill is necessary to protect the integrity of future elections.
