A member of the Nigerian Senate and former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has accused the leadership of the upper chamber of rushing the Electoral Act Amendment process.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the lawmaker alleged that the Senate pushed through a section of the Electoral Act without proper amendment, despite strong objections from minority lawmakers.
According to Tambuwal, tension broke out on the Senate floor after opposition members demanded a review of the controversial section of the bill but were overruled.
He explained that the initial proposal was for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adjust the notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days.
He stated that the change was intended to align the electoral timetable with next year’s Ramadan fasting period.
“It was forced on us in approving a section of the Electoral Act,” he said.
The lawmaker claimed that information available to them suggested that the leadership of both chambers and members of the harmonisation committee had met and reached a decision that largely reflected the Senate’s earlier position.
He added: “That was when we expressed our disagreement, insisting that there should have been an open vote to allow lawmakers publicly to declare their positions.”
Tambuwal further warned that the development could create room for manipulation.
“We believe this could open a window for electoral malpractice, which is what we are trying to avoid,” he said.
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