Hallowmace Foundation Africa has condemned the recent amendments to the Electoral Act passed by the Nigerian Senate, describing them as regressive and dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic future.
The organisation, in a statement jointly signed by its Executive Director, Ambassador Anderson Osiebe, and Head of Public Communication Desk, Ambassador Oguh Hyginus John, said the amendments under the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026 amounted to a deliberate weakening of electoral safeguards.
According to the group, the Senate’s actions represented a systematic rollback of reforms designed to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the electoral process.
Hallowmace Foundation particularly faulted the rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of results to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), warning that the move encouraged opacity and created room for manipulation during collation.
It also criticised the continued reliance on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as the sole means of voter identification, despite the deployment of BVAS, noting that the approach could disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine technological advancement.
The organisation further expressed concern over the reduction of key election timelines, including notice periods and candidate list publication deadlines, describing the changes as a recipe for logistical confusion, errors, and increased litigation.
On legal accountability, the Foundation condemned the removal of provisions that would have simplified the process of proving electoral non-compliance in court, saying it weakens efforts to hold offenders responsible.
It also faulted the Senate’s refusal to impose stiffer penalties for electoral offences, particularly the buying and selling of PVCs, arguing that lenient sanctions would not deter voter manipulation.
The group noted a sharp contrast between the Senate’s position and the reportedly more progressive stance of the House of Representatives, warning that the divergence reflects deep divisions within the legislature over the future of democracy.
Hallowmace Foundation called on the National Assembly Conference Committee to reject the disputed clauses and restore provisions for electronic result transmission, realistic timelines, and stronger sanctions.
It urged civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to speak out against what it described as legislative sabotage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The Senate’s vote of February 4, 2026, is a vote against the will of the people and must not stand,” the statement added.
