By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, has alleged that the Nigerian Senate is deliberately delaying the passage of the Electoral Act.
He made the claim on Tuesday while appearing as a guest on an Arise Television programme.
According to Osaze-Uzzi, there is circumstantial evidence to support the claim that lawmakers are intentionally stalling.
He added that the consequence of this delay is that Nigeria will be forced to rely on the Electoral Act 2022, which he noted contains significant flaws.
He further argued that with the 2027 election just around the corner, such anomalies should be corrected well before the polls.
Speaking during the interview, Osaze-Uzzi said: “Evidence shows the Senate is deliberately delaying the passage of the Electoral Act. I think the circumstantial evidence suggests that it is a deliberate ploy.
“When you see all these things happening—how they unfold—what is the reason? For the same reason that was referenced yesterday: that it would be part of the legislative agenda and a top priority.
“But what is disturbing to those of us who observe these matters is that there are two or three major issues. I think the agricultural issue is there; there was talk of the budget, which is still being considered.
“But don’t forget that many commentators, lawyers, civil society members, and the media have said that Nigerians saw the flaws in the Electoral Act 2022. We saw the issues.
“Even the National Assembly recalled that when it passed the Act, they then found they had excluded certain statutory delegates who ought to have been delegates at national conventions; they tried to send it back to then-President Muhammadu Buhari for an amendment. We are so close to elections—we shouldn’t be doing this.”
