The Senate has formed a seven-member ad hoc committee to harmonise and streamline lawmakers’ contributions to the proposed amendments of the Electoral Act.
The decision followed a three-hour closed-door executive session on Thursday, during which senators undertook a detailed review of the proposed reforms.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, announcing the outcome, said the committee was mandated to “contribute, galvanise and distil the opinions of senators on the bill.”
The panel is chaired by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and includes Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam.
Akpabio noted that the committee has up to three days to complete its assignment and report back to the Senate by Tuesday. The move follows the Senate’s earlier decision to step down consideration of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, to allow for a more rigorous review.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, Akpabio stressed the Senate must exercise due diligence. “This is a very important bill, especially as we approach another election cycle. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” he said.
The committee’s preliminary report indicates that the amendments will strengthen electoral integrity, enhance transparency, and boost public confidence in the system. Among the proposed reforms are stiffer sanctions for electoral offences, including vote-buying, falsification of results, and obstruction of election officials. It also mandates electronic transmission of polling unit results, introduces electronically generated voter identification with unique QR codes, and recognises the voting rights of eligible inmates.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the bill also standardises delegates for indirect party primaries and requires the release of election funds at least one year before polling day. “These reforms are aimed at guaranteeing credible, transparent, and secure elections, beginning with the 2027 general elections, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly,” Bamidele stated.
He added, “At the end of it all, good governance, enhanced security, and the welfare of our constituents shall remain our cardinal objectives.”
