- Senate Defers Decision On Electoral Act Bill
- Executive session scheduled to examine sensitive electoral provisions
- Lawmakers to resume debate on bill on Thursday
The Senate on Wednesday deferred consideration of the report on the Electoral Act 2022 Repeal and Enactment Bill 2026, resolving to reconvene in an executive session for further scrutiny before taking a final decision.
The decision followed deliberations during plenary on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, which was presented in the absence of the committee chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that lawmakers agreed to step down debate on the report to allow senators sufficient time to study the proposed legislation in detail, with consideration expected to resume on Thursday.
As part of the resolution, the Senate scheduled an executive session to enable closed door discussions on sensitive provisions contained in the bill.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the proposed legislation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the need for thorough examination by the upper chamber, citing the far reaching implications of the bill for Nigeria’s electoral process.
“This is a very important bill, especially as it is election time. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” Akpabio said.
According to the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, a clause by clause review of the bill indicated that its passage would leave Nigerians with a lasting legacy of improved electoral integrity.
The committee stated that the proposed amendments would enhance transparency, strengthen public confidence in the electoral system, and address gaps in the existing legal framework.
It recommended that the Senate consider and pass the Electoral Act Repeal and Enactment Bill 2025, as amended, noting that the reforms would expand voter participation, safeguard against electoral fraud, and reinforce the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
With debate stepped down, attention now turns to Thursday’s sitting, when lawmakers are expected to resume consideration of the bill following further scrutiny.
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