Pro-Democracy Groups Support House Concerns on 2027 Elections

Pro-democracy organizations Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) have expressed support for the House of Representatives' concerns regarding the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general election. Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, raised issues during a plenary session about a provision in the Electoral Act, 2026, specifically Section 63, which allows presiding officers to accept papers lacking the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) security features.

Dasuki noted that motions submitted by lawmakers regarding this issue have not been addressed for several months. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, emphasized the importance of INEC briefing the House on its election preparations, while cautioning against legislative oversight that could disrupt INEC's independence.

Dr Garuba Dauda from CDD called for safeguards against the acceptance of uncrested ballot papers, asserting that the National Assembly has the authority to summon INEC for updates on election preparations.