Atiku Faults Counting Of Unmarked Ballot Papers, Demands Electoral Act Amendment

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the National Assembly to immediately amend Section 63 of the Electoral Act, describing a specific clause regarding ballot validation as a “grave and dangerous ambiguity.”

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Abubakar argued that the current law allows returning officers too much discretion. Specifically, he faulted the provision that permits ballot papers without official marks to be counted based on the subjective judgment of an official.

The former Vice-President warned that this is not merely a technicality but a direct threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. He noted that leaving such critical decisions to individual interpretation invites manipulation and potential chaos.

According to Abubakar, while the provision might have been originally intended to prevent voter disenfranchisement, its current framing undermines public trust. He stressed that a democracy cannot survive on ambiguity, insisting that a ballot must either meet a clear legal standard or be rejected.

Investigations by NaijaChoice News indicate that this particular provision is a carryover from previous electoral laws. Abubakar expressed regret that recent amendments to the Act failed to close this loophole, instead preserving a gap that allows for subjective interpretation during the collation of results.

“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,” the statement added. Abubakar urged the leadership of the National Assembly to be more rigorous in handling legislation that affects the “heart of our democracy.”

The former Vice-President also directed attention toward the executive branch. He stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a duty to subject critical legislation to thorough scrutiny before signing such bills into law.

Abubakar maintained that his call for reform is about responsibility rather than blame. He emphasized that the sanctity of the vote must be protected by non-negotiable standards to restore the confidence of the Nigerian electorate.

As Nigerians continue to demand greater transparency in the wake of previous election cycles, the call for more precise electoral guidelines remains a central point of political discourse.

The proposed amendment seeks to replace official discretion with absolute certainty, ensuring that every vote counted is backed by verifiable legal markings.