Tinubu Pushes For Cleaner 2027 Elections

President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections must be more transparent than the last polls.

The move comes as the National Assembly begins fresh amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.

The effort is being championed by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who met with a European Union delegation in Abuja. He explained that lawmakers are reviewing all issues raised after the 2023 elections and are determined to put better structures in place before Nigerians head back to the polls.

Both chambers of the National Assembly have already agreed to treat electoral reforms as a single priority. Proposals that require constitutional amendment will be sent to state assemblies for concurrence before the end of the year, ensuring that changes are completed on time.

The reforms being considered cover a wide range of issues. These include reserved parliamentary seats for women and persons with disabilities, financial autonomy for traditional rulers, and a single-day election that combines presidential, governorship, and legislative contests. Lawmakers believe these changes will cut costs, boost turnout, and strengthen voter confidence.

Tinubu’s administration has also made it clear that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be given the tools and legal backing needed to conduct fairer elections. This forms part of a broader plan to improve the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The European Union delegation, led by Barry Andrews, expressed support for the initiative. Members of the team included EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Gautier Mignot, along with election experts and advisers, who pledged to work with the National Assembly to promote advocacy and awareness across the country.

The reforms are expected to set the stage for a smoother and more trusted election in 2027, with lawmakers insisting that Nigeria cannot afford a repeat of the controversies that trailed the 2023 polls.