A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Ubani, has insisted that Nigeria has the institutional capacity to conduct credible elections without external interference, stressing that what is required is the political will to do the right thing and a strengthened Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ubani spoke during an interactive session with journalists, where he expressed confidence that the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act would be concluded in good time before the 2027 elections, noting that Nigeria does not need foreign pressure to deliver credible elections.
Electoral Act amendment before 2027 elections
The senior lawyer said the proposed Electoral Bill would be passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu before the first week of February, a timeline he described as critical to achieving credible elections in the 2027 elections.
“The House of Reps has passed their own version. What Nigerians are waiting for now is the Senate. They were supposed to consider it before they went on break. Once they resume, they will certainly pass it,” Ubani said.
He stressed that early passage of the Electoral Act is essential so that INEC and other stakeholders clearly understand the rules guiding the 2027 elections.
“The election is next year. INEC and everyone involved in the electoral process must know the law and comply with it. When the law is not yet in existence, you can’t know what to comply with,” he stated.
Ubani added that any differences between the Senate and House versions of the Electoral Act would be harmonised quickly.
“I’m looking at it that before the first week of February, the law would have been passed and assented to. The President will be eager to assent to it,” he said.
No need for external pressure
Ubani said Nigerians are yearning for credible elections comparable to those conducted in other African democracies, insisting that Nigeria can achieve this internally ahead of the 2027 elections.
“All we are looking forward to is a very transparent and credible election. Other nations in Africa have moved ahead of us — Ghana, South Africa, even Kenya. We are the giant of Africa; we shouldn’t be compared to countries that clamp down on freedoms during elections,” he said.
According to him, credible elections are a matter of national choice, not international pressure.
“We don’t need Donald Trump or any external influence to do the right thing. If we truly want good governance, it doesn’t take anybody from outside. Let the people cast their votes and let the votes reflect the will of the people,” Ubani said.
Technology, litigation and credible Elections
Explaining why the Electoral Act must be amended, Ubani said the implementation of the 2022 law exposed gaps, especially in election litigation, which could undermine credible elections in the 2027 elections.
“After implementing the 2022 Electoral Act, we discovered some flaws. That is why we had to go back to amend it to reflect what we actually intended,” he said.
He criticised the requirement for petitioners to call witnesses from multiple polling units despite having documentary evidence.
“Imagine a situation where you still have to call witnesses from all polling units, whereas the law says if there is documentary evidence showing the result, that result should be used,” he queried.
Ubani also identified electronic transmission of results as critical to delivering credible elections.
“The most important thing is transmission of results. Once results are transmitted immediately from the polling unit, there will be no room for manipulation at collation centres,” he said.
He added that technology would strengthen judicial processes and reduce technical dismissals of election petitions.
In conclusion, Ubani said Nigeria’s path to credible elections, a stronger Electoral Act, and successful 2027 elections lies in timely legal reforms, effective use of technology, and the collective will of political leaders and institutions to respect the will of the people.
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