Dr. Monday Ubani, Special Adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has expressed confidence that amendments to the Electoral Act will be finalised in time for the 2027 general elections.
Ubani emphasised that Nigeria has the institutional capacity to conduct credible elections independently, noting that political will and a robust legal framework are the primary requirements.
Speaking to reporters, he said the proposed Electoral Bill is expected to be passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
“The House of Representatives has already approved their version. Nigerians are now waiting on the Senate, which was meant to consider it before the recess. Once they reconvene, I am confident it will be passed,” Ubani stated.
He highlighted the importance of early passage, stressing that all electoral stakeholders must understand the rules well before the polls.
“Next year’s election is approaching. INEC and everyone involved must operate under a clear legal framework. Without the law, compliance is impossible,” he added.
Ubani expressed optimism that any discrepancies between the Senate and House versions would be swiftly harmonised, allowing for presidential assent. “I anticipate the law will be passed and assented to before the first week of February. The President will be keen to sign it,” he said.
The SAN also underscored the need for credible elections without external influence.
“We are the giant of Africa. We don’t need Donald Trump or any foreign actor to do the right thing. If we truly want good governance, Nigerians alone can make it happen,” he said, noting that countries like Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya have progressed in electoral credibility.
Ubani explained that the 2022 Electoral Act revealed gaps, particularly regarding election litigation. He criticised provisions requiring petitioners to summon witnesses from numerous polling units even when clear documentary evidence exists.
“Why must witnesses be called from every polling unit when the result is already documented? Many petitions fail due to technicalities rather than merit,” he lamented.
He advocated reforms allowing lawyers or collation officers to tender documentary evidence without summoning witnesses from all polling units. Ubani also highlighted electronic transmission of results as a crucial reform to prevent manipulation at collation centres.
“Immediate transmission of results from polling units will strengthen both electoral integrity and judicial processes,” he said.
The SAN further stressed the importance of voter education, including awareness of procedures like changing polling units online. “Many voters complain about movement on election day without knowing they can update their polling units digitally. I’ve done it myself, and it works,” he noted.
Ubani criticised low awareness of the 2022 Act, citing instances where judges relied on repealed provisions. He pledged to engage media and judiciary correspondents to explain the amended Act once it is passed.
On judicial reforms, he praised the adoption of virtual hearings but called for better infrastructure and clearer legal guidelines to resolve technical challenges.
Regarding political participation, Ubani said his personal plans are in God’s hands but encouraged active involvement to drive meaningful change. He also advocated for greater female representation, suggesting reserved legislative seats as a foundation for broader inclusion.
On fiscal policy, he defended the new tax law, highlighting its protection of low-income earners while ensuring wealthier citizens contribute fairly. He stressed that credible elections, legal reforms, and accountable leadership are essential to restoring public trust in Nigeria’s democratic system and reversing economic decline.
