“They’re Worse Than Bandits”: Barr Deji Slams NASS Over Electoral Bill

By Emmanuel Kwada 

Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has launched a scathing attack on Nigeria’s National Assembly, describing its members as “worse than bandits” and suggesting they would be better suited to farming sugarcane than legislating, amid controversy over the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.

In an exclusive interview with Africa Independent Television (AIT) broadcast on February 13, 2026, Adeyanju condemned the bill particularly provisions that reportedly reject or limit electronic transmission of election results for effectively reverting the country’s electoral process to pre-2011 manual methods widely associated with widespread rigging and manipulation during the 2003 and 2007 general elections.

“This National Assembly has taken us back to 2003,” Adeyanju stated in the interview clip widely shared on social media. “They are a waste of resources and should be working in the farm as they are worse than bandits.”

He accused lawmakers of being “political robbers” who prioritize self-enrichment over national interest, arguing that the proposed changes would undermine electoral integrity and facilitate fraud.

The activist reiterated his long-standing call for Nigeria to adopt a part-time legislature model, where members serve without full-time salaries and benefits, treating lawmaking as a civic duty or “hobby” performed by accomplished professionals from various fields.

“These people are worse than bandits,” he emphasized. “They should be farming sugarcane somewhere, in Ogbomoso, in Zaria, anywhere instead of wasting our resources in Abuja.”

The remarks struck a chord online, with many Nigerians echoing the call for drastic reform of the National Assembly’s structure and remuneration.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of ongoing public protests and the #OccupyNASS movement opposing the Electoral Act amendments.

Adeyanju’s outburst adds to growing public disillusionment with the current assembly, frequently criticized for high running costs, perceived insensitivity to economic hardship, and legislation seen as self-serving.