Nigerian Senate rules out Electoral Act review before 2027 elections

The Nigerian Senate has announced that there will be no immediate review of the Electoral Act 2026 ahead of the 2027 elections. Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that the National Assembly has already completed the electoral reform process and will not alter the law during the current preparation phase.

This decision follows a Supreme Court judgment that restored specific provisions regarding political party membership registers and candidate nominations. These sections, including 77(5), 77(6), 77(7), and 84(2), had previously been voided by the Court of Appeal before being reinstated by the apex court following an appeal by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adaramodu emphasized that the current law is already in use for producing candidates and argued against changing the rules mid-process. He noted that any potential amendments or rejigging of the Act would only be considered after the 2027 elections are concluded.