Electoral Laws must be Beyond Reproach – Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo

By Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

The foundation of any democratic nation rests on transparency, due process, and the genuine representation of the people’s will. When critical legislation particularly one as sensitive and far-reaching as an amendment to the Electoral Act is passed and signed into law in less than 24 hours, it naturally raises serious concerns among citizens who value democratic accountability.

The Electoral Act is not an ordinary piece of legislation. It governs how leaders are chosen, how votes are counted, how electoral disputes are resolved, and ultimately how power is transferred. Any amendment to such a law should undergo robust public debate, detailed legislative scrutiny, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Civil society organisations, electoral experts, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens deserve the opportunity to understand the implications of any proposed changes.

When the legislative process appears rushed, questions arise:

Was there adequate debate?

Were dissenting voices heard?

Did lawmakers thoroughly analyse the long-term consequences?

Was the public properly informed?
Democracy thrives not merely on speed, but on credibility. Swift action is commendable in times of emergency, but electoral laws shape the political future of a nation. They should never appear to be altered in haste or under circumstances that suggest limited oversight.

The role of the National Assembly is to serve as an independent arm of government providing checks and balances, not acting as a mere conveyor belt for executive proposals. When major legislation passes with unusual speed, it becomes important for citizens to ask whether legislative independence and scrutiny were fully exercised.

Public trust in elections is fragile. Even the perception that electoral laws are amended without broad consultation can undermine confidence in the democratic process. Once trust is weakened, rebuilding it becomes far more difficult than preserving it in the first place.

Citizens are not enemies of government when they question the process; they are stakeholders in the republic. Constructive criticism strengthens democracy.
Transparency reassures the public. Consultation builds legitimacy.
If the amendment truly serves the national interest, then openness, clarity, and explanation should accompany it.

The government should proactively communicate:

The urgency behind the amendment.

The specific benefits of electoral transparency.

The safeguards were included to protect fairness.

The consultations were conducted before passage.

Nigeria’s democratic journey has been hard-won. Every reform must deepen, not diminish, the confidence of the people in their institutions. Electoral laws must be beyond reproach, beyond suspicion, and beyond the appearance of political convenience.

Ultimately, democracy is not only about who holds power but about how power is exercised. The strength of a nation is measured not just by the authority of its leaders, but by the integrity of its processes.

History will judge not only decisions made, but the manner in which they were made.