Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to urgently amend the country’s Electoral Act, warning that a controversial provision within the law could open the door to ballot manipulation and undermine public confidence in elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, the former presidential candidate expressed deep concern over Section 63 of the Electoral Act, which allows a returning officer to count ballot papers that do not bear official markings, based on personal discretion.
Atiku argued that such a provision poses a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system. According to him, the ballot paper is not merely a piece of paper but a legally binding instrument that forms the foundation of credible democratic processes.
“A ballot paper is not an ordinary piece of paper—it is a legal instrument whose authenticity is central to the credibility of the entire electoral process,” he said.
He described the clause as dangerous, stressing that allowing subjective judgment in determining the validity of ballots creates opportunities for abuse. In his view, this could ultimately distort the true will of the electorate and compromise election outcomes.
“This is not a minor technical issue—it is a direct threat to electoral integrity,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president noted that the controversial provision is not entirely new, explaining that it was inherited from previous electoral laws and retained in the latest amendment without sufficient safeguards to prevent misuse. He warned that failure to address such ambiguities could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
Highlighting the risks, Atiku said unclear provisions in electoral laws often lead to disputes, litigation, and political instability. He maintained that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where critical decisions are left to individual interpretation rather than clear, objective standards.
“A democracy cannot survive on ambiguity. A ballot must either meet the standard or it does not. The moment you leave such a critical decision to subjective judgment, you invite manipulation, dispute, and ultimately, chaos,” he said.
Atiku also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen its operational guidelines to eliminate any loopholes that allow personal discretion to override established rules. He stressed that the commission must ensure that all ballots are subjected to uniform verification standards to guarantee transparency and fairness.
According to him, Nigerians are increasingly demanding credible elections, and retaining provisions that weaken confidence in the electoral process is both risky and counterproductive.
“At a time when Nigerians are demanding transparency and credibility, it is reckless to retain a clause that weakens confidence in the very foundation of democracy—the vote,” he added.
Beyond domestic concerns, Atiku called on international observers and Nigeria’s democratic partners to pay close attention to the country’s electoral legal framework. He argued that the credibility of future elections will depend not only on how they are conducted but also on the strength and clarity of the laws guiding them.
He emphasized that Nigeria must project an image of a nation committed to upholding democratic principles, warning that any perception of a compromised electoral system could damage its global reputation.
The former vice president also placed responsibility on Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President has a duty to thoroughly scrutinize critical legislation before signing it into law. He suggested that greater diligence at the executive level could prevent the inclusion of contentious provisions that may later undermine governance and democratic processes.
“The world is watching. Nigeria must not send a signal that its electoral system can be bent by interpretation. The President also bears a duty to subject every critical legislation to rigorous scrutiny before appending his signature,” Atiku said.
He further noted that leadership requires vigilance and accountability, especially when dealing with laws that directly impact the democratic rights of citizens. According to him, any legislation concerning elections must meet the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
President Tinubu had assented to the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) on February 18 at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, shortly after its passage by the National Assembly. However, Atiku’s remarks suggest that aspects of the law may require immediate review to address potential loopholes.
His call adds to ongoing debates about electoral reforms in Nigeria, particularly as the country prepares for future elections. Political observers say the issue raised could become a major point of contention among stakeholders, including lawmakers, electoral officials, and civil society groups.
As discussions continue, Atiku’s intervention underscores the importance of clear and enforceable electoral laws in sustaining democracy. With growing concerns about transparency and fairness, pressure may mount on the National Assembly to revisit the provision and ensure that Nigeria’s electoral framework reflects best practices and inspires public confidence.
