Strengthening Electoral Integrity in Nigeria: Issues and Recommendations

Abstract

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) hosted a one-day policy dialogue on “Strengthening Electoral Reform” on June 24, 2025. The dialogue focused on identifying critical issues/challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic electoral process, such as widespread violence, vote buying, administrative inefficiencies, and deep rooted public mistrust of electoral institutions. It also emphasized the need to develop comprehensive recommendations that complement the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to review the Electoral Act 2022 and other relevant legislation, aiming to address some of the fundamental obstacles hindering Nigeria’s electoral system. The following recommendations stemed from the Dialogue:  The National Assembly should consider amending Section 285(5) of the Constitution and Section 132(7) of the Electoral Act, 2022, to extend the 21-day deadline for filing election petitions, allowing more realistic timelines for thorough case preparation and presentation.  Paragraph 4(5) (b) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2022 should be revised to remove the requirement for submitting sworn witness statements of subpoenaed witnesses alongside the petition or the respondent’s reply.  NASS may wish to strengthen institutions such as INEC and the judiciary to ensure compliance with the penalties provided therein.  Legislators may wish to provide a legal framework for diaspora voting, enabling Nigerians abroad to participate in national elections.  Law makers may wish to strengthen the proposed Independent Electoral Offences Commission with clear authority to investigate and prosecute all forms of election related crimes, serving as a deterrent to malpractice and upholding electoral integrity.