Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised fresh concerns over the Electoral Act 2022, describing it as inadequate to guarantee credible elections if left unchanged ahead of the 2027 general polls.
Atiku said loopholes in the law were exposed during the 2023 elections, creating opportunities for manipulation and weakening public confidence in the electoral process. He warned that unless urgent amendments are carried out, similar challenges could recur in 2027, further eroding trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the 2023 experience showed that while the Electoral Act introduced important innovations, particularly the deployment of technology, the law failed to make some critical safeguards mandatory. This, he argued, allowed inconsistent application of electoral procedures across polling units and collation centres.
A major concern raised was the absence of clear legal backing for compulsory electronic transmission of results. The lack of an unambiguous provision, he noted, created gaps between polling unit results and final tallies, fuelling disputes and litigation. Making electronic transmission mandatory, he said, would significantly reduce human interference and strengthen transparency.
Atiku also pointed to weaknesses in the enforcement of technological safeguards such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). He maintained that while the system was designed to prevent irregular accreditation, the Electoral Act did not spell out firm consequences for non-compliance, thereby limiting its effectiveness in practice.
Beyond technology, Atiku criticised the legal framework governing election petitions, particularly provisions that allow courts to uphold election outcomes based on “substantial compliance” even where violations are established. He argued that this places an excessive burden on petitioners and weakens accountability for breaches of electoral rules.
He further expressed concern about the slow pace of action on proposed amendments by the National Assembly, warning that delays could undermine preparations for the next election cycle. According to him, electoral reforms are time-sensitive and should be concluded well ahead of party primaries and campaigns.
Observers note that the issues raised align with widespread criticisms following the 2023 elections, including calls for stronger sanctions against electoral offences, clearer limits on discretionary powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and more robust legal backing for the use of technology.
Analysts argue that addressing these gaps would not only reduce post-election disputes but also strengthen voter confidence and institutional credibility. With the 2027 elections approaching, they say early amendments to the Electoral Act would provide clarity for political parties, election officials and voters alike.
Atiku urged lawmakers to prioritise electoral reforms in the national interest, stressing that credible elections remain the foundation of political stability and democratic legitimacy in Nigeria.
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