The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), on Friday, expressed concern over recent political and legislative developments in the lead-up to 2027 general elections, warning against calculated attempts by members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the National Assembly to delay passage of the amended Electoral Act 2022. 

The group, an umbrella organisation of several political parties, in a statement issued by its deputy national publicity secretary, James Ezema, said its careful review of recently released general elections timetable suggested that its delay was a premeditated plan to frustrate Nigerians’ demand for comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the forthcoming general elections.

“The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has carefully reviewed the recently released timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 General Elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and wishes to express deep concern over the unfolding political and legislative developments surrounding preparations for the forthcoming elections,” the statement said.

The group accused the 10th National Assembly of delaying legislative proceedings in a bid to “create a procedural and political environment that would make it easier for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lawfully withhold assent to any eventual amendment bill on the grounds that the electoral process has already commenced following the release of the INEC timetable.”

Faulting what it perceived as a sinister move, the group noted that recent development conflicted with the call by Nigerians, several political groups and civil groups for credible election and elimination for loopholes in the Electoral Acts 2022.   

“It is becoming increasingly obvious that the persistent delay by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in concluding legislative processes on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 was not accidental.” 

“Rather, emerging developments strongly suggest that the delay was orchestrated to create a procedural and political environment that would make it easier for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lawfully withhold assent to any eventual amendment bill on the grounds that the electoral process has already commenced following the release of the INEC timetable,” CNPP stated.

The parties denounced the attempt to override the popular demand for changes in election conduct through the dominant presence of All Progressive Congress (APC) members in the 10th National Assembly.

“The actions and inactions of the APC-dominated 10th National Assembly of Nigeria have raised legitimate suspicions that the popular demand for electoral reforms is being deliberately suppressed,” the parties said.

It added, “The CNPP is particularly concerned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), through its overwhelming legislative control, appears to be prioritizing partisan political calculations over national democratic consolidation.

The group noted that electoral reforms should be treated as a fundamental democratic necessity required to sustain public confidence in governance and electoral legitimacy, rather than as a favour to opposition parties or political interest groups. 

CNPP said reforms should be seen in areas such as “legal clarity on electronic transmission of results, enforcement mechanisms against electoral malpractices, enhanced internal party democracy, and improved safeguards against manipulation of electoral processes.”

The group warned that embarking on the 2027 general elections without creating legal reforms that would guarantee electoral credibility will deflate public trust, as well as worsen voters’ apathy across the country.

“Proceeding into the 2027 general elections without implementing robust legal reforms that guarantee electoral credibility will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democratic stability. One of the most immediate dangers is the growing risk of voter apathy, which has already manifested in declining voter turnout across successive election cycles,” the group stated.

The parties stressed that credible elections are built only on democratic governance, national unity and political stability, nothing that attempts to weaken electoral credibility would dent Nigeria’s democratic reputations locally and globally.

The group, however, called on President Bola Tinubu to duly assent to all amendments in the Electoral Acts as a sign of honour to his claim of being committed to democratic governance.

“The CNPP therefore calls on President Tinubu to resist any opportunity created by legislative delays that could justify withholding assent to necessary electoral reforms. Instead, we urge him to demonstrate leadership by supporting amendments that enhance electoral transparency, fairness, and public confidence. Such a decision would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democracy but also solidify his legacy as a leader committed to institutional strengthening and democratic accountability,” the statement said.

The group also called on the National Assembly to fast-track all legislative actions towards presenting the electoral reform bills to the president for assent.

“The CNPP equally calls on the National Assembly to immediately expedite action on all outstanding electoral reform bills and ensure that necessary amendments to the Electoral Act are concluded and transmitted for presidential assent without further delay. Nigeria cannot afford to enter another general election cycle under a legal framework widely considered inadequate by electoral stakeholders,” it stated.