Abdussamad Dasuki Raises Alarm on Electoral Act Loophole

Abdussamad Dasuki, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives representing the ADC from Sokoto, expressed concerns regarding a provision in the Electoral Act 2026 that could compromise the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general election. During a plenary session, he highlighted the need for the House to address legislative proposals aimed at closing loopholes in the law and to evaluate the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the elections.

Dasuki noted that a motion to invite the INEC chairman for a briefing on the commission's preparedness, co-sponsored with the House Whip, had not yet been scheduled for consideration despite being signed by the Speaker on July 22, 2026. He referenced a legislative journal from June 10, 2026, indicating that Bill 2780 was considered on July 21, while his bill, numbered 2781, remained pending.

Dasuki warned that the current provision in Section 63 of the Electoral Act could allow polling officials to accept ballot papers lacking INEC security features, likening it to accepting counterfeit currency. He urged the House to act promptly to ensure INEC's readiness and adequate funding for the election.