2027 Elections: Civil Society Urges NASS to Fast-Track Electoral Reforms, Faults Senate Over Natasha’s Suspension

Civil Society has urged NASS to fast-track electoral reforms and faulted Senate over Natasha’s suspension.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that with the 2027 general elections drawing closer, the Nigerian Civil Situation Room has called on the National Assembly to expedite all legislative processes on pending electoral reforms and ensure their timely passage into law.

The appeal was made on Monday in Abuja by Celestine Odo, Head of Programmes at ActionAid Nigeria, who spoke on behalf of the coalition during a press conference.

Odo cautioned that Nigeria’s democracy is “at a crossroads” and at risk of further decline if urgent steps are not taken to strengthen electoral integrity and governance.

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“Situation Room calls on the National Assembly to finalise and pass into law pending reforms that will restore confidence in our elections and ultimately, our democracy,” he said.

The group also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver free, fair, and credible polls in 2027, particularly with off-cycle governorship elections in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun states before the general elections.

Concerns Over Corruption and Governance Deficit

 

Odo stressed that systemic corruption, cultural fragmentation, and governance failures continue to threaten Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.

“Nigerian democracy stands at a crossroads. While the endurance of civil rule is commendable, systemic corruption, cultural fragmentation, and governance deficit continue to threaten democratic consolidation.

“This administration’s legacy will hinge on its ability to address economic inequality, restore electoral integrity, and foster inclusive governance,” he added.

Natasha’s Suspension

The Situation Room also weighed in on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party, describing it as a violation of democratic principles.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a first-time senator, was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, for six months. Although she challenged the resolution in court, the Federal High Court in Abuja declined to nullify the suspension, noting that no binding order had been issued to reverse the Senate’s decision.

Despite informing the Clerk’s office of her intention to resume legislative duties on September 4, the senator has not been allowed to return.

The coalition condemned the continued denial of her resumption, warning that it poses “a serious threat to the rule of law.”