Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader, has defended the 2026 Electoral Act, asserting that the law was developed through broad stakeholder consensus and not imposed unilaterally by the legislature. In his Easter message released on Sunday, Bamidele responded to criticisms from opposition parties, especially the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which claimed certain provisions of the Act were designed to disadvantage them in the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that the Act was shaped by extensive consultations with civil society organizations, development partners, and other key stakeholders, ensuring inclusivity and fairness in its formulation.
Bamidele stressed that the legislation is not a product of legislative fiat but a collective agreement reached to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework. He urged all political actors to respect and adhere to the rules established through this consensus, which he said are essential for maintaining stability and order in the electoral process. The Senate Leader highlighted that key provisions of the Act align with global best practices, including the requirement for political parties to submit digital membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This measure, he explained, is intended to enhance transparency and prevent external interference in party affairs.
He further justified the restriction of candidate nomination processes to either direct primaries or consensus, stating that this reform aims to reduce the influence of money politics and strengthen internal party democracy. “The final decision is now in the hands of party members,” Bamidele said, adding that this reinforces the principle of majority rule and ensures that candidates are chosen by those who truly represent the party’s base. He maintained that these changes are necessary to build a more credible and inclusive electoral system.
Beyond electoral reforms, Bamidele condemned recent violent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, calling them unacceptable and a threat to national security. He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly is actively working with federal and state governments to address the root causes of insecurity. Among the legislative actions underway is the ongoing amendment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act to impose stricter penalties on perpetrators and their sponsors, signaling a stronger legal response to terrorism and violence.
Reflecting on the Easter season, Bamidele called on political leaders to embrace values of sacrifice, tolerance, and unity, drawing inspiration from the resurrection of Christ as a symbol of victory over death and a call to responsible leadership. He expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms in both electoral and security sectors will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and promote lasting peace. The Senate Leader’s message underscores a commitment to inclusive governance and national cohesion as Nigeria prepares for critical elections ahead.
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