CSOsslam 2026 Electoral Act as flawed, warn of 2027 election risks
Civil society groups (CSOs) have condemned Nigeria's newly signed Electoral Amendment Act 2026, calling it a rushed law that threatens election integrity ahead of the 2027 polls. The coalition, including TAF Africa and INEC, alleges the National Assembly processed the bill without proper transparency, inserting last-minute amendments without public scrutiny. They warn the Act contains significant flaws that could entrench incumbency advantage and exclude millions from political participation. Key concerns include: Preservation of problematic 2022 provisions, new barriers to participation, and failure to implement safeguards like real-time electronic transmission of results. The CSOs staged protests demanding retention of protections such as downloadable voter cards and established electoral timelines, but these were ignored. They urge INEC to publish revised election timelines, issue clear regulations, and conduct nationwide electronic transmission simulations. The groups also demand the National Assembly release the signed Act for public review. President Tinubu's hasty assent signals political expediency over electoral integrity, potentially weakening public confidence in the 2027 elections.