The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has affirmed the commitment of the 10th House to draft an improved Electoral Act aimed at ensuring more effective elections in 2027.
In an official statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the speaker stated this during a meeting at his office in Abuja on Thursday, Speaker Abbas conveyed this intention while hosting a delegation from the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led by EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Samuela Isopi.
He said the 9th National Assembly had previously reviewed the Electoral Act 2010, resulting in the enactment and application of the Electoral Act 2022 for the 2023 elections. However, Speaker Abbas emphasized the necessity for further amendments to ensure better outcomes in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
Acknowledging the EU’s longstanding support for Nigeria’s governance processes, Speaker Abbas expressed gratitude for their contributions, particularly in providing technical assistance to the National Assembly since its inception in 1999.
“We have already set the ball rolling and the machinery in action,” Speaker Abbas stated. “We realized that in spite of all that we did in 2022 to strengthen the law (Electoral Act), there are other issues that cropped up, which require our attention, and we will not leave any stone unturned.”
He assured the EU delegation that the 10th House would meticulously review and address weaknesses in the Electoral Act, with the aim of facilitating a more robust electoral process in 2027.
Furthermore, Speaker Abbas highlighted the House’s commitment to promoting women and youth participation in politics and governance. He underscored the importance of providing additional support to women, noting the challenges they face in political spheres, and emphasized the need for youth inclusion.
In response, Ambassador Isopi reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting democracy in Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of investing in democratic processes. She commended the National Assembly as a crucial partner in this endeavor and expressed the EU’s willingness to assist Nigeria in electoral reforms, women’s representation, and fostering inter-parliamentary collaborations.
The EU delegation included Mr. Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of Delegation; Mr. Osaro Odemwingie, Political Adviser; Ms. Laolu Olawumi, Programme Manager for Democracy and Good Governance; and Mr. Modestus Chukwulaka, Media Adviser.
In conclusion, the exchange highlighted a collaborative effort between the Nigerian legislature and the EU to enhance electoral processes and promote democratic principles in the country.
