Rep AbdusSamad Dasuki of Sokoto State has renewed concern on the floor of the House of Representatives over a provision in the Electoral Act that allows ballot papers without the official Independent National Electoral Commission mark to be counted in certain cases.
The lawmaker pointed to Section 63(2) which states that where a returning officer is satisfied that a ballot paper lacking the official mark came from the book of papers furnished to the presiding officer of the polling unit the paper shall still be counted.
He described the rule as a serious threat to the credibility of the 2027 general elections because it could open the door to the use of fake or unauthorized ballot papers.
In a trending video of the session shows Dasuki addressing the chamber while the Speaker of the House who belongs to the All-Progressives Congress of President Bola Tinubu appeared visibly unhappy as the matter was raised.
The circulating account of the session has called on opposition leaders and Nigerians to demand a clear explanation and to press the National Assembly to reject any attempt that could undermine the mandate of voters.
Dasuki has previously called for the same section to be removed from the law ahead of the next polls.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the issue raises broader questions about the need for clear electoral laws, transparent legislative processes and strong safeguards to protect the votes of Nigerians.
The demand for clarification is expected to keep attention focused on the National Assembly and its responsibility to ensure that electoral legislation supports credible elections and reflects the will of the electorate.
