Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Electoral Reform Committee, Monday Ubani, SAN, says the Senate’s proposal on the Electoral Reform Amendment Bill leaves room for error.
Ubani made this statement on Saturday while fielding questions in an interview on Arise Television.
He said that both electronic transmission and transfer involve manual collation that happens in collation centers, stressing that nothing has changed.
According to him, IREV is just for viewing results, maintaining that it does not calculate or tabulate results.
The lawyer added that the issue most Nigerians have with the Senate’s version is that there’s room for communications failure that can be illegally taken advantage of.
“The Senate proposed bill leaves room for electoral error. If there are differences, there will be a harmonization committee to look at those differences and come up with a harmonized version for transmission to the President for assent.
“And I’m very happy that the House of Representatives did theirs last year and then the Senate have actually also passed their own version and there are differences and then the committee will sit on Monday in order to harmonize that position.
“The position of the law, which is 2022 Act, was that it gave INEC the responsibility of issuing out a guideline or prescribing a guideline as to the mode of transfer.
“The problem with our electoral system has always been between the polling unit and the collation centre.
“The people have witnessed a situation where a different result will be declared at the collation centre, different from what happened at the polling unit,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the date of the general election in 2003 after Christians protested over a clash with Easter.
INEC had initially fixed April 19, 2003, for the governorship and state house of assembly elections.
The date, however, coincided with Holy Saturday, a day preceding Easter Sunday, a significant event on the Christian calendar.
In a statement at the time, the conference said the decision demonstrated insensitivity to the religious commitments of a large segment of the population.
The bishops implored INEC to move the election in the spirit of inclusiveness and national harmony.
The protest sparked public debate over the need to balance electoral timelines with religious observances.
Following consultations and mounting pressure, INEC announced a shift in the election date.
The commission subsequently moved the governorship and state assembly elections to a new date in the same month.
Atiku, others kick against 2027 general election dates
A similar debate has been ignited after the electoral umpire announced dates for the 2027 general election.
Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, on Friday announced dates for the presidential and national assembly elections during a news conference in Abuja.
“By virtue of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), tenure of the president, vice-president, governors and deputy governors of states of the federation (except Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun states) will expire on the 28th day of May, 2027 while membership of the national and state assemblies will stand dissolved on the 8th day of June, 2027,” he said.
Outrage trailed the announcement on social media following reports that the dates fall within the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
They said that the physical challenges of fasting could affect how many people vote, and might also slow down the work of people watching the elections and those in charge of running them.
He asked the commission to think again about the February 20, 2027 date, because he was worried it would clash with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
On Friday, through his official X account, Atiku mentioned that the suggested date is “right in the middle of the Ramadan period (February 7 to March 8, 2027), a special time for fasting, thinking, and spiritual practice for many Nigerian Muslims.”
Bashir Ahmad, who used to work closely with late former president Muhammadu Buhari, also asked INEC to think again about the dates.
He tagged INEC on his X post, which partly said: “If the goal is to promote full and inclusive involvement in the election process, holding such an important national event during Ramadan could create difficulties for many people in the country.
“Many Muslims often cut back on busy daily tasks during this time so they can focus more on their religious duties. Because there are a lot of Muslims in this country, it might be a good idea to think again about when something happens so that more people can take part and it’s easier for everyone. I hope this observation is understood in a way that promotes unity and brings people together.”
INEC vows to review 2027 election dates
However, INEC, through a statement from the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the schedule was created carefully following the timeframes set out in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for Conducting Elections, 2022.
Haruna said that the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for conducting elections, which have been in place since 2019, set the dates when elections are to be held.
He quoted paragraph two of the regulation, which says: “The elections for the offices of President and Vice President, as well as the National Assembly, will take place on the third Saturday of February in any general election year. The elections for the offices of Governor and Deputy Governor, as well as the State Houses of Assembly, will happen two weeks after that.”
He added, “Based on this, and following these existing laws and rules carefully, the Commission set Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections.”
Even though the above points are considered, the Commission said it has acknowledged the worries raised by stakeholders about the planned dates overlapping with some nationally recognized holidays and events.
The Commission said it wants to let the public know that it is aware of all valid worries that could affect how people vote and how elections are run in general.
He said that because of these changes, “the Commission is now talking to different groups and might, if needed, ask for legal changes to deal with the issues raised, but always making sure any changes follow the laws and the constitution.”
INEC said it would continue to emphasize its strong dedication to being open, fair, and ensuring the 2027 General Election is conducted honestly and reliably.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing calls to reconsider the February 20, 2027, date announced for the general elections, as it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent Nigerians have expressed concerns that holding elections during this period may disenfranchise millions of Muslim voters, citing the physical demands of fasting and spiritual obligations.
Critics argue that fixing elections during Ramadan reflects poor judgment and a lack of sensitivity to Nigeria’s socio-religious realities. INEC has acknowledged the concerns and is undertaking consultations, with the possibility of seeking legislative intervention to adjust the dates.
President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday embark on a one-day official visit to Kebbi State to inaugurate some projects executed by the state Governor, Dr Nasir Idris.
While in the state, the President will also headline the 61st edition of the 2026 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as the special guest of honour.
The festival is one of Africa’s most celebrated cultural events.
It is staged by the riverside of the historic Matan Fada, recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
Friday 13, 2026
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
NYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
Mexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
Putin invites 20 world leaders
Russia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
