Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the National Assembly to urgently review aspects of the Electoral Act, warning that certain provisions could weaken the credibility of future elections if not addressed.
In a statement released through his aide, Atiku Abubakar criticised Section 63 of the law, which permits a ballot paper without an official mark to be accepted based on the discretion of a returning officer. He argued that such a provision introduces room for manipulation and threatens the integrity of the electoral process.
He stressed that ballot papers are critical legal instruments and should not be subjected to subjective interpretation. According to him, any ambiguity in determining their validity could lead to disputes and undermine public confidence in elections.
The former presidential candidate noted that the clause is not entirely new, but a carryover from previous electoral laws that was retained without adequate safeguards. He warned that leaving such decisions to individual judgment could compromise the will of the electorate.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its operational guidelines to ensure that electoral officials rely strictly on clear and verifiable standards.
Additionally, he urged the international community and election observers to closely monitor Nigeria’s legal framework ahead of future polls, emphasizing that the credibility of elections depends not just on the process but also on the laws guiding them.
The Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) was recently signed into law by Bola Tinubu following its passage by the National Assembly.
