Abbas Urges Electoral Institutions to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Polls
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called on public institutions involved in the electoral process to maintain neutrality, professionalism and restraint ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas made the call on Tuesday during plenary at the Green Chamber following the lawmakers’ resumption from recess, stressing the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process through strict adherence to the Electoral Act.
He cautioned members of the 10th House against allowing political activities and personal ambitions to distract them from their constitutional responsibilities as the Assembly enters its fourth year.
According to the Speaker, political competition must not take precedence over national interests and legislative duties.
He said lawmakers must remain committed to their constitutional obligations regardless of their political affiliations, adding that public confidence in the legislature depends on responsible conduct and effective representation.
Abbas identified the completion of the ongoing constitutional review, preparations for the 2027 budget and consideration of bills and requests submitted by President Bola Tinubu as key priorities for the House.
He said proposed constitutional amendments, including bills seeking to establish state police and reserve seats for women in legislative bodies, require sustained engagement with the Senate and state houses of assembly.
The Speaker also urged the executive arm to submit the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) early enough to allow lawmakers to conduct a thorough review and facilitate the timely passage of the national budget.
Reviewing the performance of the 10th Assembly, Abbas disclosed that the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363 as of mid-June 2026.
He said the bill passage rate rose from approximately seven per cent in the first session to about 26 per cent in the third session.
He added that an internal assessment indicated that the House had achieved between 65 and 70 per cent of the major targets outlined in its legislative agenda.
However, Abbas emphasised that the legislature’s performance should not be judged solely by the number of bills passed, but by the tangible impact of its laws, resolutions, investigations and oversight activities on Nigerians.
He said the House would publish its comprehensive legislative scorecard and legacy report before the end of its tenure to enable citizens to assess its achievements against its commitments.
The Speaker further acknowledged that despite improvements recorded under the Tinubu administration, the government must ensure that economic stability translates into affordable food, job opportunities, accessible credit and dependable public services.
He urged lawmakers to remain focused on serving their constituents throughout the political season, stressing that Nigerians deserved a full term of effective legislative representation.
