By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday pushed back against opposition claims that the 2026 Electoral Act was crafted to undermine their chances in the 2027 elections, insisting the law was not a product of legislative imposition but a consensus-driven reform.
Bamidele stated that the new electoral framework was shaped through extensive consultations with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations, and development partners, and that it reflects international best practices.
In an Easter message issued by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the Senate Leader urged political actors to respect the rules they collectively agreed upon, warning against attempts to discredit the law for partisan reasons.
Opposition parties, especially the African Democratic Congress, had accused the National Assembly of inserting provisions such as Sections 77 and 84 to weaken their electoral prospects.
However, Bamidele dismissed the allegations, stressing that the requirement for political parties to submit digital membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission was intended to ensure transparency and prevent non-members from hijacking party structures.
He explained that credible party membership systems are central to democratic practice globally, adding that the digital register would enhance accountability and strengthen internal party governance.
The Senate Leader also defended the limitation of candidate nomination processes to direct primaries or consensus, describing it as a deliberate move to dismantle the delegate system, which he said had long been compromised by vote-buying and the influence of moneybags.
According to him, the reform would empower ordinary party members, promote transparency and reinforce majority rule in the democratic process.
Bamidele further called on Nigerians to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, tolerance and unity exemplified by the Easter season, urging leaders to prioritise national interest above personal or political considerations.
He also condemned the recent spate of killings in Plateau and Kaduna states, assuring that the National Assembly was collaborating with the executive to tackle insecurity and bring perpetrators to justice.
He revealed that ongoing amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act would introduce stricter sanctions against terrorists, their financiers and collaborators, noting that the legislature remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the country.
Bamidele expressed confidence that sustained synergy among all levels of government would restore peace and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic and security architecture.
