2027: Senate rules out fresh review of Electoral Act

The Senate has determined not to reopen the Electoral Act 2026 in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, despite recent debates surrounding party membership registers and candidate nominations following a Supreme Court decision. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that the National Assembly concluded its work on the electoral law and would not modify the framework while political parties prepare for the polls.

According to Adaramodu, any review of the electoral law would only be considered after the 2027 elections. This stance stems from the Supreme Court's ruling, which overturned a July decision by the Court of Appeal, restoring provisions governing political parties' membership registers and candidate nomination procedures. The Court of Appeal had previously nullified these sections, arguing they interfered with internal party administration.

However, the Supreme Court reaffirmed the Electoral Act's authority in these matters, emphasizing that the legislative process had been completed and assented to. Adaramodu cautioned that reopening the legislation could disrupt ongoing electoral preparations, as parties have already used the law to prepare candidates for the upcoming elections.