Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has warned that the credibility of the 2027 polls is at risk, alleging that key provisions of the Electoral Act have been altered from the original reform proposals.
Speaking on concerns surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process on ARISE NEWS, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senator said she was part of the committee that worked on electoral reforms and insisted that many of the provisions currently in the law were not part of the original document.
According to her, the committee spent two years developing a framework aimed at ensuring free, fair and credible elections, including joint sittings to produce what they believed would strengthen the electoral system.
“We worked on a document that was acceptable for two years and did a joint sitting and came up with a document we felt would give us free and fair elections, but now every aspect of that document has been turned upside down,” she said.
Kingibe also raised concerns about the security of INEC ballot papers, claiming they lack proper security features and could be easily replicated.
She argued that without stronger safeguards, the integrity of future elections could be undermined, especially as the country heads toward the 2027 polls.
“The INEC ballot paper does not have security measures; any type of paper can be used for voting,” she claimed.
The senator further linked the urgency of political alliances and opposition cooperation to the worsening socio-economic situation in the country, saying Nigerians are exhausted by insecurity, poor electricity supply, food shortages and rising taxes.
She said the growing synergy among opposition figures reflects a shift toward national interest over personal ambition, stressing that citizens are demanding a better quality of life and more accountable leadership.
“Everybody is tired and exhausted.”
“I was seriously pleased to see the synergy, alliances and move of national interest opposed to personal interest.
“At the end of the day, everyone wants a better life; no electricity, insecurity has never been this bad, food insecurity is at its worst ever, taxes are increased, and more are coming,” she added.