The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the National Assembly of deliberately employing delay tactics in the passage of the 2025 Electoral Bill, warning that further postponement could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed concern over proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, noting that they introduce significant eligibility and compliance requirements that could pose serious risks to political parties if not enacted in good time.

The ADC stressed that key provisions—particularly those mandating electronic voter accreditation and electronic transmission of election results—represent minimum standards necessary to guarantee credible elections and should not be weakened by what it described as unnecessary legislative filibustering.

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is deeply concerned by the continued prevarications of the National Assembly over the 2025 Electoral Bill. Failure to promptly pass the bill for presidential assent raises suspicions that the legislature, which is dominated by the APC, is deliberately delaying key amendments, especially those intended to make future elections more difficult to rig.”

The party also warned that some proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must fully understand and implement.

“The ADC also notes that some of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that must be fully understood and met by political parties. Failure to allow sufficient time to study and implement these provisions, beyond what is publicly available, could have serious consequences for both political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Lack of clarity in the electoral guidelines would not only create potential booby traps for opposition parties, but also make it difficult for INEC to prepare and issue clear rules within the required timeframe.”

The party cited the existing legal requirement mandating INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before the general election, warning that continued delays significantly reduce the time available for preparation and compliance.

“For example, the provision requiring INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before the general election remains in effect. This means that even now, there is very little time left for adequate preparation and compliance.”

The ADC called on the National Assembly to act without further delay, cautioning that postponement could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

“The ADC therefore calls on the National Assembly to pass the bill without further delay. Any postponement risks the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermines confidence in the entire electoral process. Nigeria cannot afford another acrimonious or dubious election.”

The party also urged civil society organisations, international partners, and political parties committed to democratic accountability to pressure the National Assembly to ensure swift passage of the bill.

“The ADC also urges civil society organisations, international partners, and all political parties committed to accountable democratic governance to pressure the National Assembly to act swiftly, as Nigerians cannot afford another election cycle without these essential safeguards.”