Femi Falana criticises the Senate for delaying the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning it could compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticised the Nigerian Senate over repeated delays in passing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
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Falana warned that the postponements could seriously undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
He spoke on Sunday during an interview on Arise News, expressing frustration over the Senate’s decision to set up another committee to review the bill.
The House of Representatives passed the bill in December 2025.
Falana described the move as unnecessary and aimed at preserving the status quo.
“From the conduct of both chambers, it is clear they want the status quo retained,” he said.
He added that the process was designed to give Nigerians the false impression that electoral reforms were ongoing.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill proposes reforms such as electronic transmission of results, tougher penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions for financially induced delegates.
Falana said the provisions address longstanding gaps in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He accused lawmakers of focusing on amendments already covered by existing laws while failing to enforce critical electoral safeguards.
“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity,” Falana said, adding that lawmakers were ignoring urgent national issues.
He recalled that recommendations such as the establishment of an electoral offences commission, proposed in 2008, remain unimplemented.
Falana stressed the need to clearly codify electronic accreditation and result transmission into law.
He cited disputes from previous elections, where multiple candidates claimed victory, leading to prolonged litigation.
Beyond electoral matters, Falana said only the Federal High Court has the constitutional power to try treason-related offences.
He warned against subjecting alleged coup plotters to military trials under civilian rule.
Falana also criticised the Lagos State Government over protest dispersals and demolitions.
He said demolitions must follow due process and respect citizens’ rights to dignity and housing.
Falana defended the right of Nigerians to protest and criticise public officials.
He condemned the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters and urged respect for democratic freedoms.
Falana concluded by calling on Nigerians and civil society groups to pressure lawmakers to pass the bill.
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“Without public mobilisation, the Electoral Act Amendment Bill will not be passed,” he said.
