Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted loopholes in the Electoral Act 2022, describing them as a significant setback to the credibility of the 2023 general elections.
The former Vice President argued that gaps in the law facilitated widespread rigging and made it difficult for petitioners to successfully prosecute electoral cases in court.
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, Atiku urged an urgent review of the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria, beginning with amendments to the Electoral Act, to address flaws observed during the 2023 polls.
He warned that failure to correct the shortcomings of the 2022 Act could jeopardise the credibility of the 2027 general elections and subsequent polls.
Expressing concern over the Senate’s perceived reluctance to fast-track the proposed amendments, Atiku cautioned that delays might undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He referenced a recent report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), describing it as both an indictment of the Senate and a call for increased legislative responsibility.
“The credibility of the 2027 general elections hinges on the urgency with which the Senate treats this crucial bill,” he stated.
Atiku stressed that it is essential for the National Assembly to finalise the amendments and ensure that an updated Electoral Act governs the 2027 elections.
“Anything short of this is a deliberate attempt to rig the election long before the ballots are cast,” he added.
Elijah Adeyemi
