Senate Reconstitutes Electoral Act Committee, Names Lalong Chairman

Senate Reconstitutes Electoral Act Committee, Names Lalong Chairman
Committee to harmonise Electoral Act amendment versions from both chambers.
Process aims to strengthen electoral credibility ahead of 2027 polls.

The Senate has reconstituted a 12 member Electoral Act Conference Committee to harmonise differences in the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, appointing Senator Simon Bako Lalong as chairman.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the committee is expected to engage with its counterpart in the House of Representatives to reconcile discrepancies in the amendment bill and produce a single harmonised version for final legislative approval.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the composition of the committee on Tuesday during an emergency plenary session.

According to the Senate leadership, the conference committee will examine areas of divergence between the versions of the amendment bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and resolve contentious provisions before presenting a unified document for adoption.

Members of the committee include Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Tahir Mungono, alongside other lawmakers drawn from relevant legislative committees.

The reconstitution forms part of broader legislative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of future elections, including the 2027 general polls.

Lawmakers expressed optimism that the harmonisation process would address grey areas identified in the bill and improve transparency, credibility and operational efficiency in the conduct of elections nationwide.

Once the harmonised version is agreed upon by both chambers, the document will be transmitted for final legislative approval in line with established parliamentary procedures.