By Solomon OKPO | January 22, 2026
The CLEEN Foundation has issued an urgent call on the National Assembly to expedite the review and passage of proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, warning that delays could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s next general elections.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr. Peter Maduoma, the Foundation stressed that electoral reforms derive legitimacy not only from their substance but also from their timing. According to CLEEN, Nigeria’s electoral history shows that delayed amendments often create implementation gaps, legal uncertainties, operational challenges for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and avoidable post-election disputes.
The organisation noted that the Electoral Act, 2022 clearly stipulates statutory timelines governing electoral processes, including Section 28, which mandates INEC to publish the notice of election not later than 360 days before polling day, and Sections 29 to 34, which regulate the submission, publication, substitution, and withdrawal of candidates. Other critical provisions cited include Sections 47, 60, and 64, which guide voting procedures, collation, transmission, and declaration of results.
CLEEN warned that any substantive amendments affecting election timelines, result transmission, party primaries, early or special voting, and dispute resolution must be concluded well before INEC activates the statutory election cycle. Once a notice of election is issued, the Foundation noted, the legal and operational space for reform effectively closes.
Expressing concern over prolonged legislative delays, the Foundation identified key risks, including increased litigation, operational strain on INEC, compressed timelines for political parties leading to flawed primaries, and a decline in public confidence in the electoral process. It added that international best practice recommends concluding electoral reforms at least 18 to 24 months before general elections to allow for proper implementation and stakeholder alignment.
The Foundation also highlighted critical areas requiring urgent legislative clarity, such as election timelines and sequencing, result transmission and collation, use of technology in accreditation and voting, party primaries, and mechanisms for resolving pre and post-election disputes. It warned that these foundational elements of electoral integrity should not be subjected to rushed or last-minute changes.
CLEEN therefore called on the National Assembly to prioritise and conclude the Electoral Act amendment process without further delay, ensure clarity, consistency, and constitutionality in all proposed changes, and avoid introducing reforms that cannot be realistically implemented before the next election.
According to the organisation, Nigeria’s democracy is best served when electoral rules are clear, stable, and known well in advance, stressing that timely legislative action is not only a legal necessity but a democratic obligation.
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