Tambuwal accuses Senate leadership of rushing electoral act amendment

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has accused the leadership ofthe Nigerian Senate of pushing through a section of the Electoral Act withoutproper amendment, despite strong objections from minority lawmakers. Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Tambuwal said tensionbroke out on the Senate floor after opposition members demanded a review of thecontroversial section of the bill but were overruled. According to him, the initial proposal was for theIndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adjust the notice periodfor elections from 360 days to 300 days. He explained that the change was intended to align theelectoral timetable with next year’s Ramadan period. However, Tambuwal alleged that the process was rushed. “It was forced on us in approving a section of the ElectoralAct,” he said. The lawmaker claimed that the information available to themsuggested that the leadership of both chambers and the Harmonisation Committeehad met and reached a decision that was largely reflected in the Senate’searlier position. He added: “That was when we expressed our disagreement,insisting that there should have been an open vote to allow lawmakers topublicly declare their positions.” Tambuwal further warned that the development could createroom for manipulation. “We believe this could open a window for electoralmalpractice, which is what we are trying to avoid,” he said.

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