OPEN EYES on The Southerner Newspaper
Thursday, October 16, 2025
The fabric of a nation’s democracy is woven by the integrity of its electoral processes. It is with this understanding that the recent proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, spearheaded by Nigeria’s National Assembly, must be greeted with widespread commendation and vigorous public discourse.
These reforms, emerging from a one-day public hearing which took place on Monday 13th October, 2025, aimed at repealing the 2022 Electoral Act and enacting a 2025 version, represent a courageous and necessary step towards fortifying Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The proposals, as highlighted by Rep. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, address fundamental flaws in the current system and promise to usher in an era of greater political stability and public trust.
Foremost among these laudable proposals is the twin reforms of conducting elections 185 days before the end of an incumbent’s tenure and concluding all election litigations before the swearing-in of winners. This is a masterstroke aimed at resolving one of the most persistent crises in Nigerian politics: the cloud of illegitimacy that often hangs over newly sworn-in administrations.
By creating a six-month buffer between the election and the inauguration, and simultaneously compressing the timeline for tribunal judgements from 180 to 90 days and Appellate Court judgements to 60 days, the reforms seek to ensure that any occupant of an executive or legislative office assumes their position with their mandate legally validated.
This will significantly reduce the debilitating distraction of governance that occurs when a sitting President, Governor, or legislator is simultaneously battling for their political survival in court. It affirms the principle that it is better to have a delayed but legitimate inauguration than a swift but contested one that paralyzes governance.
Furthermore, the proposed amendments demonstrate a commendable commitment to inclusivity and the protection of fundamental rights. The provision for inmate voting, in compliance with an existing court judgement, is a progressive step that acknowledges the voting rights of every citizen, a core tenet of democratic practice.
Similarly, the introduction of early voting for security personnel, INEC officials, journalists, and other essential workers on election duty is a pragmatic and long-overdue innovation. It guarantees that those tasked with safeguarding the electoral process are not disenfranchised by it.
This not only bolsters the integrity of the vote count by ensuring that everyone can participate but also boosts the morale of the personnel who work tirelessly to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
Progressively, the strengthening of electoral integrity through technology and stricter enforcement is another cornerstone of these proposals. The mandatory electronic transmission of results, coupled with the criminalization of the distribution of unstamped ballot papers and result sheets, punishable by a year in jail or a hefty fine, sends a clear message against the manipulation of results.
This move is crucial for rebuilding public confidence in the finality of declared results. Additionally, the integration of the National Identification Number (NIN) into the voter registration process, with provisions for personal uploads, promises to create a more robust, verifiable, and sanitized voter register.
This has the potential to drastically reduce incidents of multiple voting and other forms of identity fraud that have plagued elections in the past, thereby enhancing the credibility of the entire process from its very foundation.
While the proposals put forward by the National Assembly are profoundly impressive, the work of perfecting this critical legislation must not end within the halls of the legislature. The fact that a public hearing was held is a positive start, but it must be the beginning, not the culmination, of a national conversation.
The alignment of stakeholders like INEC with the proposals is encouraging, but a wider, more granular input is now essential. Civil society organizations, legal experts, political parties, technology specialists, and the general public must be afforded further opportunities to scrutinize the draft bill and offer technical inputs. For instance, the logistical feasibility of conducting all elections 185 days earlier than scheduled, requires meticulous planning.
The capacity of the judiciary to handle the compressed timelines for election petitions without compromising the quality of justice must be thoroughly assessed and bolstered. The specific software and security protocols for the NIN integration and electronic transmission need to be transparent and hacker-proof to prevent new forms of fraud, as seen in previous attempts.
Truth be told, the proposed electoral reforms mark a watershed moment for Nigeria’s democracy. They are a bold and thoughtful attempt to cure the systemic ailments that have long weakened our electoral contests. By seeking to ensure legitimate governments from day one, expanding voter inclusivity, and leveraging technology for transparency, these amendments lay a formidable foundation for the future.
Going forward, there need for the expansion of scope in this proposed electoral reform so as to confront other systemic challenges that undermine electoral integrity. A crucial area for inclusion is the comprehensive regulation of political party primaries.
The current Act’s ambiguity often allows for “godfatherism,” imposition of candidates, and chaotic primary processes that are themselves a source of protracted litigation and internal party conflicts. The new Act should mandate transparent, democratic, and verifiable direct or indirect primaries, enforced through stringent guidelines and enforceable sanctions for non-compliance. Also, the reform must boldly address the corrosive influence of money in politics.
This requires establishing and enforcing realistic, transparent campaign spending limits, alongside a robust framework for auditing and publicly disclosing campaign finances. By sanitizing the candidate selection process and reducing the role of illicit wealth, the Act would not only strengthen parties but also restore public faith in the political process.
To crown it all, beyond internal party democracy, the reform must also prioritize the protection of electoral officials and the institutionalization of electoral offenses’ prosecution. The proposed act should create explicit and severe penalties for the intimidation or violence against INEC officials, ad-hoc staff, and voters, ensuring their safety and independence. Concurrently, the establishment of a special, independent Electoral Offenses Commission, as long recommended by various committees, is paramount.
Relying on the regular police force and court system to prosecute complex electoral crimes has proven ineffective. A dedicated body with the mandate, expertise, and resources to swiftly investigate and prosecute cases of vote-buying, ballot box snatching, and result manipulation would serve as a powerful deterrent. Incorporating these critical measures would create a more holistic, robust and resilient electoral system, building upon the current proposals to truly safeguard the sanctity of every Nigerian’s vote.
All said, my fear remains intact, would this be another proposal that ends with the tragic cliche named ‘the Nigerian factor’?. Time is pregnant!. May the sun shine tomorrow…
