The Senate has set up a special committee to review and harmonise divergent views on the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The committee, to be chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire (APC, Ondo Central), has Senators Adamu Aleiro (APC, Kebbi Central), Waziri Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), Mohammed Goje (APC, Gombe Central), Tony Nwoye (APC, Ebonyi North) and Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West) as members.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, announced this on Thursday after hours of a closed-door session by lawmakers and mandated the committee to conclude its assignment within 48 hours and submit its report ahead of the next plenary session scheduled for Tuesday.
Explaining the mandate of the committee, he said the amendment of the Electoral Act is aimed at reforming the nation’s electoral process by enhancing transparency, boosting voter confidence, and promoting wider participation in elections.
“The objective of this amendment is to strengthen the credibility of our electoral system and address grey areas observed in previous elections,” he said.
Akpabio underscored the need for thorough scrutiny, given the bill’s implications for the nation’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,” he said.
Key proposals under consideration in the Act include the electronic transmission of election results, stricter penalties for electoral offences, and the expansion of voter identification options to curb fraud and malpractice.
Lawmakers noted that the expedited timeline given to the committee underscores the urgency of providing a credible and effective legal framework ahead of future elections in the country.
“The Senate is determined to ensure that the Electoral Act reflects best practices and responds to the expectations of Nigerians,” the Senate leadership stated.
The committee is expected to present its report to the chamber at the next sitting for consideration and possible adoption.
