Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, has raised serious concerns over the final version of the Electoral Act, stating that every aspect of the document she helped draft has been fundamentally altered. Speaking on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’, Kingibe revealed that the bill presented to lawmakers bears little resemblance to the original draft she and other stakeholders worked on for over two years. She emphasized that the changes made to the Act, particularly regarding ballot paper security, are inconsistent with Nigeria’s electoral history and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Kingibe, who served on the Committee for Electoral Reforms, explained that the committee had spent two years developing a comprehensive document aimed at ensuring free and fair elections. The process involved bi-cameral sessions, meaning both the Senate and the House of Representatives participated, along with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organizations. The goal was to produce a consensus-driven, transparent, and robust electoral framework that would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
She pointed out that one of the most troubling changes was the removal of security features from ballot papers. “In what election have we ever conducted, where INEC ballot papers did not have security measures that you can bring any type of ballot paper vote with it?” she asked. “It’s never happened.” Kingibe stressed that the original draft included strict provisions to prevent ballot tampering and ensure authenticity, and she was shocked to find those measures absent in the final version. She even offered to show the original documents she had in her possession to prove her claims.
The senator expressed disappointment that the collaborative effort to reform Nigeria’s electoral laws had been disregarded. “I spoke to somebody about it. I said, I can show you the documents I have,” she said. “It couldn’t have been there.” Her comments highlight growing concerns among lawmakers and civil society about the transparency and legitimacy of the legislative process surrounding the Electoral Act.
Kingibe’s remarks come at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections, and the credibility of electoral institutions remains under scrutiny. Her call for accountability and transparency underscores the need for a legislative process that reflects the input of all stakeholders. As the nation moves forward, the integrity of the electoral framework will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring that every vote counts.
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