Kimpact Development Initiative slams Senate for rejecting key electoral reforms ahead of 2027 elections
The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has raised serious concerns over the Nigerian Senate’s rejection of key provisions in the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the decisions could undermine transparency and public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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In a statement issued on February 3, 2026, and cited by Legit.ng on February 5, KDI acknowledged the passage of the bill by the Senate but criticised lawmakers for failing to adopt reforms widely considered crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
Omission of Mandatory Electronic Transmission
Central to the controversy is the Senate’s decision not to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory.
KDI highlighted that citizens, civil society organisations, and election observers had regarded electronic transmission as vital for ensuring trust and transparency in electoral outcomes.
“For many Nigerians, electronic transmission represented a straightforward mechanism to reinforce confidence in results.
The absence of clearer statutory obligations may leave room for operational discretion and differing interpretations,” the statement said.
Weakening of Vote-Buying Sanctions,
KDI also criticised the Senate’s removal of proposed 10-year disqualification penalties for individuals convicted of vote buying, describing the practice as one of the most damaging threats to democratic integrity in Nigeria.
“Vote buying distorts voter choice and undermines the legitimacy of electoral outcomes. Sanctions must be proportionate and serve as effective deterrents,” the group said.
Shortened Election Notice Raises Concerns,
The reduction of the statutory timeline for issuing election notices from 360 days to 180 days was also flagged by KDI as a potential operational challenge. “Adequate preparation time is fundamental to the successful conduct of large-scale elections. Shortening this window increases pressure on INEC and political parties, risking logistical challenges and avoidable disputes,” it stated.
Call for Alignment at Conference Committee Stage,
KDI noted significant divergence between the Senate and House of Representatives positions on transparency and accountability, urging lawmakers to reconcile differences during the conference committee stage. The organisation stressed that elections are not merely legal exercises but public-trust processes requiring clarity, transparency, and citizen confidence, particularly among young voters.
KDI reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with lawmakers, electoral institutions, civil society, and citizens, urging a balance between operational realities and public expectations in finalising the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Also read: PDP condemns Senate over rejection of electronic election results
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has also called on the Senate to urgently amend the Electoral Act, arguing that flaws in the 2022 law facilitated rigging and limited petitioners’ access to justice.
