The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the National Assembly of deliberately delaying the passage of the 2025 Electoral Bill, warning that the prolonged process could undermine preparations for the 2027 general election and weaken public confidence in the democratic process.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the delay raises serious concerns that the legislature—dominated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—is intentionally slowing amendments designed to strengthen the credibility and transparency of elections.

The ADC noted that several of the proposed amendments introduce new compliance and eligibility requirements that political parties must clearly understand and implement ahead of the next election cycle. Abdullahi warned that insufficient time to study and adapt to the provisions could have far-reaching consequences for political parties as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the party, continued uncertainty around the electoral framework could create what it described as “potential booby traps” for opposition parties and complicate INEC’s ability to issue clear, timely, and effective guidelines.

The party also highlighted a provision requiring INEC to publish election notices at least 360 days before a general election, noting that the window for adequate planning is already narrowing as 2027 approaches.

Calling for urgent legislative action, the ADC urged the National Assembly to pass the bill without further delay, warning that any postponement could jeopardise the integrity of the 2027 polls and erode public trust in the electoral process.

“Nigeria cannot afford another acrimonious or dubious election,” the party said, urging civil society organisations, international partners, and political stakeholders committed to democratic governance to pressure the National Assembly to act swiftly.

The ADC’s concerns echo those earlier expressed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who has also accused the Senate of deliberately stalling the amendment process.

However, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, had said in his New Year message in January that the upper chamber would fast-track the passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.