The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has called on the Senate to prioritise transparency and public engagement in the ongoing review of the Electoral Act, warning against actions that could undermine citizens’ trust in the reform process.
Speaking during a televised interview on Thursday, PLAC Executive Director Clement Nwankwo said extensive consultations had already produced a broad consensus on key reforms, including the adoption of real-time electronic transmission of election results. He noted that deliberations involving joint committees of the National Assembly, public hearings and zonal consultations had provided a clear reflection of public expectations.
Nwankwo criticised the Senate’s reliance on closed executive sessions to deliberate on what he described as a matter of significant national interest. According to him, electoral legislation belongs to Nigerians and should be handled with openness and accountability.
He stressed that lawmakers hold office through the mandate of the electorate and must therefore remain responsive to citizens’ views throughout the amendment process. The PLAC boss warned that any perception of exclusion or lack of transparency could erode public confidence in the credibility of the reforms.
