Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the Senate of deliberately blocking efforts to amend the Electoral Act 2022, warning that delays may harm the credibility of the 2027 common elections.
In an announcement shared on his verified X (previously Twitter) account, Atiku described the 2023 common elections as a “main setback,” arguing that gaps within the present Electoral Act created room for electoral malpractice and made it tough for aggrieved candidates to show their instances at election tribunals.
He mentioned a complete assessment of the electoral authorized framework is important to stop a repeat of the weaknesses recorded within the final election cycle.
“It’s crucial that if the errors of the 2023 election are to be corrected, the authorized instrument for the conduct of the 2027 and subsequent future elections must be reviewed,” he wrote.
Nonetheless, the previous Peoples Democratic Social gathering (PDP) presidential candidate expressed concern that the Nationwide Meeting, significantly the Senate, just isn’t exhibiting urgency in processing the amendments.
“However as issues stand, it has turn out to be apparent that the Senate is set to frustrate the passage of amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act,” Atiku said.
He additionally cited a current investigative report by the Basis for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), describing it as a powerful indictment of the Senate and a reminder of the necessity for lawmakers to behave responsibly.
Atiku warned that the 2027 polls could possibly be compromised if the amended Electoral Act just isn’t finalised and enforced forward of the following common election, insisting that electoral reforms should be concluded effectively upfront to strengthen public belief.
“The credibility of the 2027 common elections hinges on the urgency with which the Senate treats this significant invoice,” he mentioned.
He added that any delay in passing the reforms would quantity to laying the groundwork for manipulation lengthy earlier than election day.
“Something wanting it is a deliberate try and rig the election lengthy earlier than the ballots are solid,” Atiku declared.