SENATE RESUMES ELECTORAL ACT DEBATE AMID GROWING PRESSURE OVER 2027 POLLS

SENATE RESUMES ELECTORAL ACT DEBATE AMID GROWING PRESSURE OVER 2027 POLLS


The Senate is set to resume deliberations on the controversial Electoral Act amendment bill on Tuesday, following mounting public criticism and concerns that prolonged delays could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Lawmakers are expected to consider the report of a seven-member ad hoc committee established to harmonise differing positions among senators and resolve outstanding issues in the proposed legislation. The committee was inaugurated last Thursday after an extended closed-door executive session that lasted several hours.

The panel was mandated to conclude its assignment within three days and submit its report to enable the Senate proceed with clause-by-clause consideration of the bill and transmit it for further legislative action.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the committee was constituted to synthesise lawmakers’ views and address concerns raised during plenary debates, stressing the importance of due diligence despite the urgency surrounding electoral reforms.

According to him, while the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, the Senate must ensure that all contentious provisions are carefully examined to avoid future legal disputes.

“This is a very important bill, particularly as the country prepares for another election cycle. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all and prevent avoidable litigation,” Akpabio said.

The ad hoc committee is chaired by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. Other members include Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam.

A report by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters indicated that the proposed amendments are designed to strengthen electoral integrity, enhance transparency, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Key provisions of the bill include stiffer penalties for electoral offences, such as vote-buying, with proposed sanctions of fines up to ₦5 million, a two-year jail term, and a 10-year ban from contesting elections. The bill also prescribes tougher punishment for result falsification and obstruction of election officials.

Other reforms outlined in the proposed law include the mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results, the introduction of electronically generated voter identification, including a downloadable voter card with a unique QR code, and measures aimed at expanding voter participation.

The bill also seeks to recognise the voting rights of inmates, mandate the registration of eligible prisoners by the electoral body, standardise delegates for indirect party primaries, and require the release of election funds at least one year before polling day.

The renewed legislative push comes amid sustained criticism from legal practitioners, opposition parties, and civil society organisations, who have accused the National Assembly of unnecessary delays in amending the Electoral Act.

Some legal experts have warned that repeated postponements could erode public trust and weaken the credibility of the 2027 elections. Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party, have also raised concerns over what they described as a lack of urgency in completing the reforms.

Despite the backlash, the Senate insists that the ad hoc committee will fast-track the process, as lawmakers intensify efforts to conclude work on the bill in the coming days.

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