Falana Warns Senate Delays Threaten 2027 Election Credibility

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has issued a strong warning that the repeated postponement of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by the Senate risks severely undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

In an interview on Arise News, Falana expressed frustration over the Senate’s recent decision to form a new committee to review the bill. This move comes despite the House of Representatives having already passed the proposed legislation in December 2025.

He described the process as an unnecessary “rigmarole” aimed at preserving the status quo rather than enacting urgent electoral reforms. “Clearly, from the conduct of both chambers of the National Assembly, it is very clear that the members simply want the status quo retained,” Falana stated.

The bill contains critical proposed reforms, including the electronic transmission of election results, stronger penalties for vote-buying, voting rights for inmates, and sanctions against financial inducement of party delegates.

Falana argued that lawmakers are focusing on redundant amendments while neglecting to ensure the enforcement of existing laws and key pending reforms, such as the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission a recommendation first made in 2008.

He highlighted the urgent need to legally codify electronic accreditation and results transmission, citing the prolonged disputes and national embarrassment that followed the 2023 presidential election.

“Unless Nigerians are mobilised to pressure the National Assembly, the new electoral bill will not be passed. There is no indication that it will be passed unless we act,” Falana concluded, urging public and civil society action.

On Other Issues

Beyond electoral matters, Falana also commented on several legal issues. He insisted that only the Federal High Court is constitutionally empowered to try treason cases, including those of alleged coup plotters.

Additionally, he criticized the Lagos State Government for its handling of protests and demolitions, stating that actions taken without due process or respect for citizens’ dignity and housing rights are unlawful. He defended the right to peaceful protest and criticism as indispensable to democracy.