2027 ELECTIONS: SENATE RULES OUT FRESH REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ACT

By NaijaParrot October 10, 2026 

 ABUJA, NIGERIA — 

The Nigerian Senate has ruled out any fresh review of the Electoral Act 2026 before the 2027 general elections, insisting that the existing law will remain in force as political parties and electoral authorities continue preparations for the polls. The position was disclosed by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, who said the National Assembly would only consider possible amendments after the elections. Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Adaramodu argued that reopening the legislation at this stage could disrupt an electoral process already underway.

SENATE SAYS ELECTORAL REFORM IS COMPLETE 

 Adaramodu maintained that the Electoral Act had completed the legislative process and received presidential assent, making it the legal framework for the 2027 elections. He said lawmakers would not change the rules while political parties were already using the legislation to organise their activities and prepare candidates for the forthcoming polls. According to the senator, petitions and requests for amendments could still be submitted to the Senate, but any comprehensive review would be considered after the elections if necessary. His position signals that the National Assembly does not intend to reopen the law in response to the latest legal and political disagreements surrounding some of its provisions. 

 SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT TRIGGERS FRESH DEBATE 

 The Senate’s position follows a Supreme Court judgment that restored provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 concerning political party membership registers and candidate nomination procedures. The apex court overturned an earlier Court of Appeal decision that had declared Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s decision has renewed debate over how the restored provisions may affect political parties and candidates preparing for the 2027 elections.  

WHAT THE DISPUTED SECTIONS PROVIDE 

 The affected provisions address important aspects of political party administration and candidate selection. Sections 77(5), 77(6) and 77(7) concern party membership registers and eligibility to participate in party congresses, conventions and primaries. They place importance on whether a person’s name appears on the membership register submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Section 84(2) provides for direct primaries or consensus as methods political parties may use to nominate candidates. The restoration of these provisions has raised questions about the implications for candidates whose membership records, waivers or nomination procedures could become subjects of legal challenges. However, the judgment does not automatically establish that every candidate facing questions about these matters is ineligible. The circumstances of individual cases may require separate legal consideration. 

 PARTIES FACE PRESSURE TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE 

 With the Senate ruling out an immediate legislative review, political parties are expected to conduct their activities within the framework of the existing law. The development also places greater importance on compliance with statutory requirements for party membership records, primaries and candidate nominations. Candidates and party officials who believe the restored provisions affect their interests may seek legal advice or pursue available remedies through the appropriate channels. Meanwhile, the Senate’s position does not prevent lawmakers from receiving petitions or considering individual concerns. It indicates that a broader review of the legislation will be deferred until after the 2027 elections. 

 ELECTORAL ACT TO REMAIN IN FORCE FOR 2027 POLLS 

 The dispute over the Electoral Act highlights the challenges of implementing electoral reforms while political parties are already preparing for a nationwide election. For now, the Senate has made clear that it intends to retain the current legal framework for the 2027 general elections rather than introduce fresh amendments midway through preparations. Whether further legal challenges emerge over the disputed provisions remains to be seen. 

  NaijaParrot will continue to monitor developments surrounding the Electoral Act, Supreme Court decisions and preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. 

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