By James Isaac,Abuja
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), a coalition of registered political parties in Nigeria, has called for comprehensive reforms to the country’s electoral process, urging the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The call was made during a public hearing on the Bill for an Act to Repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and Enact the Electoral Act 2025, organized by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Dipo Olayokun, the Deputy Chairman of IPAC, who represented National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, briefed lawmakers on the urgent need for reforms aimed at enhancing the credibility, transparency, and inclusivity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We are all working towards one goal: a more democratic and more acceptable electoral process for Nigerians,” Olayokun said, emphasizing the importance of a system that responds to the aspirations of the people.
One of the central recommendations was to address election litigation before the swearing-in of winners. Olayokun argued that unresolved election disputes often delay the democratic process, wasting state resources and creating unnecessary uncertainty. He called for the enactment of provisions to ensure that all election petitions are concluded before newly elected officials are officially inaugurated.
“We believe this will provide a level playing field and prevent the misuse of public funds in protracted legal battles,” he stated.
In addition to addressing litigation, IPAC advocated for greater transparency in the voting process. Olayokun proposed that the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results (IReV) should be made compulsory by law. This move is aimed at reducing electoral fraud and ensuring the accuracy of results.
“The new law should make it mandatory, not optional,” he emphasized, calling for more robust legislation to safeguard citizens’ right to vote and enhance electoral integrity.
IPAC’s push for reform also included broader safeguards to protect the rights of eligible voters, ensuring that every Nigerian citizen has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without hindrance.
As the nation look ahead to the 2027 elections, Olayokun’s remarks reflected a growing consensus among political parties that the electoral system must evolve to meet the needs of a vibrant, democratic society.
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters is expected to review these recommendations as part of the ongoing process to reform the country’s electoral laws.
