The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over delays by the National Assembly in passing the 2025 Electoral Bill for presidential assent.
In a statement released on Saturday, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC’s national publicity secretary, warned that the lag in approving the bill fuels suspicions that the legislature—dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC)—may be intentionally postponing amendments intended to enhance the credibility of elections.
According to the party, some of the proposed changes introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that political parties must fully understand and implement. Abdullahi noted that insufficient time to study and adhere to these provisions could have serious implications for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ADC stressed that ambiguities in the electoral framework could create “potential booby traps” for opposition parties and limit INEC’s ability to issue clear guidelines within the mandated timelines. The party specifically cited the requirement for INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election, emphasizing that preparation time is already tight.
The party urged the National Assembly to pass the bill without further delay, warning that any postponement could compromise the integrity of the 2027 general election and erode public confidence in the process.
“Nigeria cannot afford another contentious or questionable election,” the statement said. The ADC also called on civil society organisations, international partners, and political parties committed to democracy to pressure lawmakers to act swiftly.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has similarly accused the Senate of deliberately stalling the amendment process. Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele assured in a January New Year message that the upper chamber would fast-track the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
