Abuja: The Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Adebayo Balogun, has reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to regulating electoral irregularities through the review of the Electoral Act. Balogun gave the assurance at the opening of a policy dialogue organised by the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja. According to News Agency of Nigeria, the dialogue had as its theme: 'Election Security and Reforms in Nigeria: Addressing Challenges in Securing Elections Ahead of 2027.' Balogun stated that the house would review the Electoral Act and other security-related statutes to align with modern realities and international best practices. He highlighted Nigeria's electoral history, noting a troubling pattern where security concerns hinder voter turnout, disrupt electoral activities, and result in inconclusive or disputed outcomes. Balogun emphasized the urgent need to rethink and strengthen the security framework ahead of the 2027 general elections. Balog un expressed his commitment to collaborative efforts in reviewing and amending relevant provisions of the Electoral Act. He stressed the importance of legislating with foresight to ensure that every Nigerian can vote safely, freely, and without fear. He urged participants to use the dialogue as an opportunity to ask difficult questions, offer honest assessments, and propose practical solutions to fortify democracy. In his remarks, Sen. Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population and National Identity, highlighted the importance of scrutinizing electoral processes in Nigeria. He emphasized that credible elections are critical for the survival of democracy and the leadership of the country. Umeh, a member of NILDS' board, discouraged the notion of participating in elections for monetary gain and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure credible elections. He called for patriotic individuals to oversee elections, reject bribery, and ensure election security. Mr. Yusuf Dantale, Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), pointed out that the desperation of politicians to capture power leads to rigging and malpractices like falsification of results and destruction of election materials. He stressed the need for a change in this pattern to ensure fair elections. Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS, emphasized strengthening research institutions in Nigeria as a means to address election security and other national challenges. He highlighted the importance of supporting research components within key national institutions, stating that neglecting these institutions could lead to the nation's downfall.
Menu