The ADC alleged that the delay appeared aimed at slowing down key amendments designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and reduce the likelihood of manipulation during future elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the National Assembly of deliberately stalling the passage of the 2025 Electoral Act, warning that continued delays could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the failure of the legislature to transmit the Electoral Bill for presidential assent has raised concerns about the sincerity of lawmakers, particularly in a National Assembly dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC alleged that the delay appeared aimed at slowing down key amendments designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and reduce the likelihood of manipulation during future elections.
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… pic.twitter.com/cYFHoWYNEk
— Bolaji Abdullahi (@BolajiADC) January 31, 2026
According to the opposition party, several of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements for political parties, which require adequate time for proper understanding and implementation.
The ADC warned that insufficient time to study and adapt to these provisions could create serious challenges for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), especially if the guidelines are not clearly defined.
“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 said.
The ADC further drew attention to existing provisions in the current electoral framework, noting that INEC is required to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election.
It warned that with the 2027 polls drawing closer, the window for adequate preparation and compliance was rapidly closing.
The party called on the National Assembly to pass the Electoral Bill without further delay, stressing that any postponement could damage public trust in the electoral process.
“Any delay 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 added.
The ADC also appealed to civil society organisations, international partners, and other political parties committed to democratic governance to mount pressure on the National Assembly to act swiftly.