The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has called the Ekiti State governorship election a big test for Nigeria’s current Electoral Act. He believes the results of this election could help decide if any changes to the law are needed after the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, shared his thoughts in an interview with Channels Television after voting at his polling unit 003, Ward II, Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area on Saturday.
He said this election, along with the by-elections happening in other areas, is a chance for everyone involved to see how well the current electoral system is working.
“I’m happy with what I have seen today. This is the first major election to be conducted under the new electoral law,” he stated.
Bamidele mentioned that how the polls go and the feedback from stakeholders will help identify what works and what does not in the law.
He believes any decision about changing the Electoral Act should come from evaluations by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and election observers.
The senator emphasized that lawmakers will not try to change the electoral rules before the 2027 general elections.
“At the end of the day, by the time INEC, political parties, and election observers come up with their analyses of what happened today, we will be in a better position to know whether there is a need for further amendment of the electoral law,” he explained.
Bamidele stressed that any changes to the law should wait until after the next general elections. He wants to avoid the idea that lawmakers are making changes while the elections are ongoing.
“This is not the time to tinker with the electoral law so that we are not seen as lawmakers trying to change the rules in the middle of the game,” he added.
Even though he called for a complete review of the electoral process after the polls, Bamidele expressed satisfaction with how the election has been conducted so far.
He stated that the process has been encouraging and early signs show improvements under the current legal framework.
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