A coalition of civil society groups under the umbrella of Center for Liberty has called on the National Assembly to keep its word and pass the Electoral Amendment Bill before the end of the year. 

In a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, Centre for Liberty said that the people are disappointed in the Senate for failing to live up to its commitment to open a public hearing as well as passing the bill before the end of 2020. 

Ariyo-Dare Atoye of the center said the passage would allay partisan fears ahead of the 2023 general election, as well as give civil societies the time to engage in voter education. 

“Nigerians will be embarking on #OccupyNASS protests over the electoral bill. If the senate do not keep their word, Nigerians will have no choice than to protest,” Mr. Atoye said. The National Assembly “will not want to experience another protest like the #ENDSARS.”

Two days ago, Senate President Ahmed Lawan assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would pass the reforms by 2021, Punch reported.

In January, Mr. Lawan stated that the flaws in the 2019 general elections and other elections would be corrected in the new reforms in a bid to create solutions for future elections.

Previous attempts to amend faulty sections of the electoral law were defeated by President Muhammadu Buhari, who declined giving his assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill passed before 2019 elections.