President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has lamented what he described as the injustice and manipulation that characterized parts of Nigeria’s 2019 general elections, calling for a sincere and people-oriented amendment to the Electoral Act to strengthen transparency and restore public confidence in the electoral system.
Speaking during a plenary session at the National Assembly in Abuja, Akpabio said the Senate would prioritize the review of the Electoral Act to close loopholes that allowed irregularities and political disenfranchisement in previous polls.
“Many of us who participated in the 2019 elections witnessed clear injustices that were swept under the carpet,” Akpabio said. “It is time to ensure that the votes of Nigerians truly count. Democracy cannot thrive when electoral outcomes are determined by manipulation rather than the will of the people.”
Commitment to Electoral Reform
The Senate President assured Nigerians that the current National Assembly under his leadership would not treat electoral reform as a partisan issue but as a national responsibility.
He emphasized that the amendment process would address challenges in electronic transmission of results, voter intimidation, and internal party democracy, ensuring that future elections reflect the people’s true choice.
“Our democracy must evolve,” Akpabio stated. “We are not amending the law to favour any political party; we are doing it to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. Fairness, transparency, and credibility must guide our elections moving forward.”
Lessons from 2019
Recalling his personal experience, Akpabio noted that the 2019 elections exposed deep flaws in Nigeria’s electoral framework — including abuse of power by political actors and weak enforcement of electoral laws.
“Those of us who were victims of injustice during that period understand the pain of being denied a fair contest,” he said. “But rather than dwell on the past, we must use those experiences to build a better system for the next generation.”
He added that the mistakes of 2019 should not be repeated, stressing that Nigerians deserve an electoral process where every vote counts and every candidate competes on equal grounds.
Collaboration with INEC and Stakeholders
Akpabio revealed that the Senate would work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, and legal experts to craft a comprehensive reform package that strengthens electoral credibility and citizens’ participation.
He urged all political parties to support the process and avoid using electoral laws as weapons of political advantage.
“This is not about winners or losers,” he said. “It is about building an electoral foundation that can sustain our democracy for decades to come.”
A Call for National Unity
The Senate President also called on Nigerians to support the ongoing reform efforts and remain optimistic about the nation’s democratic future.
“Nigeria’s democracy is young but full of promise,” Akpabio said. “With collective effort, sincerity, and accountability, we can build a system that honours the sacrifices of our founding leaders and gives hope to future generations.”
Conclusion
As debate over the Electoral Act Amendment continues in the National Assembly, Akpabio’s remarks have reignited public discourse on the credibility of Nigeria’s past elections and the urgent need for stronger institutions to safeguard democracy.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that the 2027 general elections and beyond would reflect the true will of the Nigerian people.
“We cannot correct the past,” he said, “but we can create a future where justice, fairness, and credibility define every election in our nation.”