Bamidele: Electoral Act Based on Consensus, Not Legislative Imposition

Senate Leader says Electoral Act emerged from stakeholder consensus, defends reforms, and condemns recent attacks in Plateau and Kaduna.

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday stated that all provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act were products of stakeholders’ consensus and not legislative imposition, as alleged by some opposition leaders.

Bamidele, who also served on the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, said the enactment of the new electoral regime aligns with global best practices and was not introduced for any self-serving purpose.

He made the remarks in his Easter message released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, urging political actors to emulate the virtues of sacrifice and tolerance symbolised by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Opposition parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had alleged that certain provisions of the Electoral Act, including Section 77(1–7), were designed to frustrate their chances in the 2027 elections.

They also criticised Section 84(1–3), which limits the nomination of candidates by political parties to either direct primaries or consensus.

Responding, Bamidele dismissed the claims, stating that each provision of the Act “is informed purely by stakeholders’ consensus and not by legislative fiat.”

According to him, the law reflects contributions from civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders, stressing that political actors must now adhere to the rules collectively agreed upon.

“As the world celebrates the rising of Jesus Christ, we must consciously learn to live by the rules we collectively enacted to ensure peace, order, and stability in our political system,” he said.

Bamidele further explained that the requirement for political parties to submit a digital register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Section 77 is intended to enhance transparency and prevent manipulation of party processes.

“The provision is consistent with global best practices and aims to build a culture of collegial decision-making that governs party politics worldwide,” he said.

He noted that party membership is central to internal democracy and that the digital register would prevent individuals from hijacking party structures.

On the restriction of candidate nomination processes, Bamidele said limiting options to direct primaries or consensus was deliberate and aimed at curbing the influence of money in politics.“It aims at ending a delegate system that compromises the interest of the majority and strengthens the hands of moneybags to hijack the primaries,” he said.

“The final decision is now in the hands of party members… This reinforces the principle of majority rule, which sits at the heart of democracy.”

Bamidele also condemned recent armed attacks in Plateau and Kaduna States, describing them as unacceptable and assuring that the National Assembly is working with federal and state governments to address insecurity.

“As an institution that prioritises public interest, we will not allow rogue elements to destroy the nation we are building,” he said.

He added that ongoing legislative efforts, including amendments to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, would introduce stricter measures against kidnappers, their financiers, and collaborators.

“We are confident that the end to such criminal acts and killings is already in sight,” he added.