A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has faulted the Nigerian Senate over repeated delays in passing the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the setbacks could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Falana, who spoke during an interview on Arise News on Sunday, criticised the Senate’s decision to set up another committee to review the bill, despite its passage by the House of Representatives in December 2025. He described the move as unnecessary and a tactic to maintain the status quo rather than implement meaningful electoral reforms.
According to him, the actions of both chambers of the National Assembly suggest a lack of genuine commitment to electoral reform.
“Clearly, from the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is very clear that the members simply want the status quo retained. This rigmarole is meant to give the impression to Nigerians that the proposed Electoral Act is being addressed,” Falana said.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill seeks to introduce key reforms, including electronic transmission of election results, tougher penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions for delegates induced financially to manipulate party primaries. Falana noted that these provisions are critical to addressing long-standing flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He accused lawmakers of prioritising amendments already covered by existing laws while failing to focus on effective enforcement.
“We operate in an atmosphere of reckless impunity. The only politically important issue today is the gale of defections in Nigeria, yet the National Assembly focuses on time-wasting amendments,” he said.
Falana also recalled that vital reforms, such as the establishment of an electoral offences commission recommended in 2008, are yet to be implemented. He stressed the need to clearly enshrine electronic accreditation and transmission of results into law, referencing controversies from past elections.
“Last election, we were subjected to a national disgrace when three leading presidential candidates claimed to have won. That election petition lasted 10 months. Why should it take two years to put these provisions in law?” he asked.
Beyond electoral matters, Falana spoke on the prosecution of alleged military coup plotters, insisting that only the Federal High Court has the constitutional authority to try treason-related offences.
“Under the current democratic dispensation, it is only the Federal High Court that is empowered, by virtue of Section 251(2) of the Constitution, to try treason and allied offences. The government must adhere to this law,” he said.
He also criticised the Lagos State Government over the handling of protests and demolitions, arguing that due process and citizens’ rights are often disregarded. Falana condemned the use of tear gas and night-time demolitions, citing court rulings that protect residents from unlawful displacement.
On protests, Falana defended the right of citizens to criticise public officials, describing it as essential to democracy.
“Vulgar abuse cannot attract a defamatory action… criticism is indispensable in a democratic society,” he said, while condemning the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters in Alausa.
He concluded by urging Nigerians and civil society organisations to pressure lawmakers to ensure the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
“Unless Nigerians are mobilised to pressure the National Assembly, the new electoral bill will not be passed. There is no indication that it will be passed unless we act,” Falana said.
Elijah Adeyemi
No comments:
Post a Comment