Senate rules out Electoral Act changes before Nigeria’s 2027 election

Nigeria’s Senate has ruled out amending the Electoral Act 2026 before the 2027 elections, saying the legislation has already been passed, signed into law and put into use. Yemi Adaramodu, chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, told The PUNCH that the National Assembly had completed its electoral reform process and would not change the rules while preparations for the election were under way. “Anybody who has any petition against it should submit to the Senate,” Adaramodu said.

But he added that lawmakers would not halt an Act already being used to produce candidates for the elections. His comments followed a unanimous Supreme Court judgment restoring Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. A seven-member panel overturned a Court of Appeal ruling that had declared the provisions unconstitutional, holding that they were consistent with the Constitution.

Sections 77(5) to 77(7) concern political parties’ membership registers and participation in primaries. Section 84(2) provides for direct primaries or consensus as methods of selecting candidates. The judgment prompted questions about whether candidates could face challenges over party membership, waivers or nomination procedures.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party, Allied People’s Movement and Labour Party have maintained that their candidates remain safe. The Nigeria Democratic Congress also rejected suggestions that the ruling affected the candidacies of Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Ovie Omo-Agege. Its publicity secretary, Osa Director, said anyone contesting a candidate’s eligibility should take the matter to court.

Adaramodu said any need for amendments could be considered after the 2027 election.