ACF warns democracy under threat as Electoral Act amendments stall

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep concern over the controversies surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment Bills in Nigeria's National Assembly, warning that democracy is under strain. The forum insists on real-time transmission of election results in the proposed law to enhance transparency and strengthen Nigeria's democratic process. ACF National Publicity Secretary Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba accused the National Assembly of being influenced by external forces, failing to assert constitutional independence. He stated that lawmakers are being pressured to alter provisions not acceptable to the executive or powerful interests, describing the situation as a setback for democratic growth. The ACF appealed to lawmakers to redeem themselves by acting in Nigerians' interest, noting that the current lawmaking process reflects personal, sectional or external interests rather than constitutional procedure. Muhammad-Baba emphasized that democracy is endangered when laws passed through due process are tampered with improperly, stressing that constitutional mechanisms exist for amendments but should not be bypassed. He warned that public confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027 could be undermined if the trend continues.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/18/electoral-act-democracy-under-threat-in-nigeria-acf/