Special Adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Monday Ubani, has expressed strong confidence that ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act will be concluded in good time ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ubani said Nigeria has all the institutional capacity required to conduct free, fair, and credible elections without external interference, stressing that what the country truly needs is political will backed by a strengthened legal framework.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists, the senior lawyer disclosed that the proposed Electoral Bill is expected to be passed by the National Assembly and subsequently assented to by President Bola Tinubu.
“The House of Representatives has passed its version. What Nigerians are waiting for now is the Senate. They were supposed to consider it before the break. Once they resume, they will certainly pass it,” Ubani said.
He emphasised that early passage of the amended law is crucial to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders fully understand and comply with the rules governing the 2027 polls.
“The election is next year. INEC and everyone involved must know the law and comply with it. When the law does not exist, you can’t know what to comply with,” he noted.
Ubani expressed optimism that differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill would be harmonised swiftly, paving the way for presidential assent.
“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 added.
The SAN said Nigerians desire transparent and credible elections comparable to those in leading African democracies, insisting that foreign influence is unnecessary.
“Other nations in Africa have moved ahead of us, such as Ghana, South Africa, and 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 rather than 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 stated.
Explaining the need for further amendments, Ubani said the implementation of the 2022 Electoral Act exposed significant gaps, especially in election litigation. He criticised the requirement for petitioners to call witnesses from numerous polling units even when documentary evidence clearly establishes results.
“Why must I call witnesses again when everything is already in black and white?” he queried.
He lamented that many election petitions fail on technical grounds rather than merit.
“Most times you lose an election, not because you didn’t win, but because of technicalities. They say you dumped documents on them and won’t consider your case,” he said.
Ubani advocated reforms that would allow documentary evidence to be tendered by a lawyer or a single collation officer without requiring witnesses from every polling unit. He also identified electronic transmission of results as the most critical reform to safeguard the electoral process.
“Once results are transmitted immediately from the polling unit, there will be no room for manipulation at collation centres,” he said, adding that real-time transmission would also strengthen judicial review of election disputes.
The senior lawyer called for sustained voter education, particularly on processes such as changing polling units.
“People complain about movement on election day, but they don’t realise that you can change your polling unit online. I have done it myself and it worked,” he said.
Ubani also criticised the lack of awareness of the 2022 Electoral Act, noting that some judges still relied on repealed provisions. He pledged to engage media and judiciary correspondents to explain key aspects of the amended law once it is passed.
On judicial reforms, he commended the adoption of virtual hearings but called for improved infrastructure and clearer legal provisions to address technical challenges.
Touching on politics, Ubani said his political ambitions remain in God’s hands but stressed the importance of active participation in governance. He also advocated for greater inclusion of women in leadership, proposing reserved legislative seats as a starting point.
On fiscal policy, he defended the new tax law, saying it protects low-income earners while ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share, adding that transparency in governance would boost public trust and compliance.
Ubani concluded that with credible elections, robust legal reforms, and accountable leadership, Nigeria can rebuild confidence in its democratic system and reverse its economic decline.