Senate Rejects Electoral Act Amendments Before 2027 Elections

The Senate, represented by Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, has firmly rejected calls for an immediate review of the Electoral Act 2026, stating that the legislation will remain unchanged as preparations for the 2027 elections are underway. Adaramodu clarified that the National Assembly had completed the electoral reform process and that any amendments could only be considered after the elections.

His comments were in response to a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated sections of the Act previously invalidated by the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7), and 84(2) are constitutional, addressing party membership records and candidate selection procedures.

Adaramodu emphasized the impracticality of changing electoral rules mid-process, as political parties have already utilized the Act for candidate nominations for the January and February elections. He invited individuals and organizations with objections to submit petitions but reiterated that these would not lead to changes in the law currently in effect.