<\/p>\n
By Emmanuel Oloniruha<\/p>\n
The National Assembly has urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action in enforcing electoral laws as preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum.<\/p>\n
It made \u200c\u200c\u200d\u2060\u2060\u200d\u2060\u2060\u200d\u2060\u200d\u200c\u200c\u200cthe call on Tuesday during the INEC World Press Conference and National Stakeholders\u2019 Meeting in Abuja.<\/p>\n
The legislative arm reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria\u2019s democratic processes through continuous legislative reforms.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the event, Sen. Simon Lalong, Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, noted that the legislature holds the vital responsibility of providing robust legal and institutional frameworks.<\/p>\n
Lalong, however, said that the credibility of any election relied on the collective efforts of political parties, candidates, security agencies, media, civil society organisations and voters.<\/p>\n
Pledging his committee\u2019s readiness to engage constructively with INEC to address institutional challenges, he called on political parties to adhere strictly to rules and promote issue-based engagements.<\/p>\n
Lalong also urged the media to help combat misinformation and deepen public trust in democratic institutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur democracy is a continuous journey. Its strength depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on the confidence of citizens that their participation matters and electoral institutions are committed to fairness, transparency and accountability,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The senator stressed that continuous dialogue among electoral stakeholders remained essential to consolidating Nigeria\u2019s democracy.<\/p>\n
Also speaking, Adebayo Balogun, Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, urged INEC to be more proactive in exercising its constitutional duties.<\/p>\n
Balogun noted that certain electoral disputes, particularly those surrounding Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stemmed from delays or inaction by the electoral body when critical decisions were required.<\/p>\n
Balogun, while comparing the situation to state governors who had been hesitating to sign death warrants despite it being their constitutional duty, called on INEC not to hesitate to act decisively within its mandate.<\/p>\n
He disclosed that the House had formally written to the electoral umpire, demanding the swift enforcement of a Supreme Court judgment concerning Section 74 of the Electoral Act.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have just written INEC to enforce the judgment of the Supreme Court on Section 74 of the Electoral Act, which we believe will be attended to swiftly,\u201d Balogun said.<\/p>\n
He, however, commended the commission for initiating the interactive session to address pressing electoral concerns.<\/p>\n
In his remarks, Mr Gautier Mignot, Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the European Union\u2019s commitment to supporting Nigeria\u2019s democratic process.<\/p>\n
Mignot described the 2027 general elections as a pivotal moment to reinforce popular legitimacy and solidify the country\u2019s position as Africa\u2019s largest democracy.<\/p>\n
He emphasised the need for all national actors to extend maximum cooperation to the commission, particularly through adequate and timely budgetary support, urging citizens to respect and protect field personnel on election day.<\/p>\n
\u201cINEC is not some distant entity composed of a few people.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn fact, it will be represented on the day of the election by hundreds of thousands or more, mostly young Nigerian citizens deployed in the field. They deserve our respect and support,\u201d Mignot noted.<\/p>\n
The envoy commended INEC\u2019s continuous efforts to enhance public confidence through off-cycle elections, citing the Osun governorship poll as a positive reference point for reducing post-electoral friction and building public trust.<\/p>\n
He, however, cautioned political actors against electoral violence and political intolerance, advocating for peaceful expression, fact-based information and inclusivity.<\/p>\n
\u201cFreedom and acceptance of peaceful expression is the right alternative and antidote to political violence. Free, honest and correct information, debunking fake news, is another key factor, and the media has an essential role to play,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mignot also urged political actors to prioritise the full participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs) as voters, candidates and electoral administrators. (NAN)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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