2026 Electoral Act: Expert seeks judicial intervention, NASS review

As debates intensify over the recent amendments to the 2026 Electoral Act, prominent legal luminary Chief Solo Akuma (SAN) has called on the National Assembly to listen to public concerns and initiate a holistic review of the legislation.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, the Senior Advocate emphasised that while legislation is a product of parliament, its success depends heavily on public confidence and its alignment with the nation’s supreme law.

Chief Akuma noted that the most formal and proactive way to handle the growing friction surrounding the new amendments is for lawmakers themselves to return to the drawing board.

“The only way, when legislation is made and people are complaining about its implementation, is for the legislature—in this case, the National Assembly—to undertake a holistic review of what people are saying and see what they can do to address those complaints,” Akuma stated.

He argued that a responsive legislature must be willing to refine laws when practical application reveals flaws or triggers widespread dissatisfaction among the citizenry.

Beyond legislative intervention, the Senior Advocate pointed to the judiciary as the ultimate arbiter.

He encouraged aggrieved parties to test the legality of the Act in court, particularly where provisions appear to clash with the Nigerian Constitution.

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“The other way is when people challenge it in court. The court may strike it down; that is taking a legal angle to it,” he explained.

He further clarified that the door is open to any Nigerian who feels the new rules infringe on constitutional mandates.

“Anybody who feels that there are certain aspects of that legislation that are inconsistent with the Constitution can take it up and challenge it. The court has the power to strike that particular section down.”