The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to ensure that the 2027 general elections are more transparent and credible than the 2023 polls.
Abbas stated this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the European Union (EU). He said the National Assembly is currently working on amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 to address flaws observed in previous elections and strengthen public trust in the process.
He noted that concerns raised by international observers after the 2023 elections are being considered in the ongoing reforms.
> “The leadership of the country under President Tinubu is committed to improving our electoral system, particularly in response to the observations made by international observers during the 2023 elections,” Abbas said.
According to him, the Senate and House leadership recently met to harmonise positions on proposed amendments. These include both constitutional and legislative changes, with plans to fast-track electoral reforms and forward them to state assemblies for consideration before the end of 2025.
Abbas explained that the reforms will also cover broader constitutional amendments such as reserved parliamentary seats for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), granting financial autonomy to traditional rulers, and conducting all major elections on a single day.
He argued that holding presidential, legislative, and governorship elections simultaneously would reduce cost, improve efficiency, and boost voter turnout.
The Speaker urged the EU to support the National Assembly in advocacy and awareness campaigns, stressing that state assemblies must concur with the reforms to make them effective.
> “We will do everything necessary legislatively to give INEC the tools required to deliver elections in 2027 that are better than those of 2023,” Abbas assured.
In response, Barry Andrews, leader of the EU delegation and member of the European Parliament, commended the legislature for its efforts to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
The delegation also included Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Ralph-Michael Peters, election expert; Eirini-Maria Gounari, election legal expert; Maros Gabriel, election administration expert; Laolu Olawumi, Programme Manager, Democracy and Rule of Law; and Osaro Odemwingie, Political Adviser.
