The Senate deferred consideration of the report on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, deciding to give the proposed revisions more time before making a final decision.
The decision came after deliberations on the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters’ report in plenary, which was held in the absence of the committee’s head, Senator Simon Lalong, on Wednesday.
Lawmakers agreed to suspend debate on the report to give senators more time to review the bill in detail, with consideration set to resume on Thursday.
In addition, the upper house agreed to reassemble in executive session to allow for closed-door talks on sensitive areas of the proposed election reforms, underscoring worries over the legislation’s far-reaching effects.
The Senate insisted on a more careful review procedure, despite the fact that the House of Representatives had previously enacted the law.
Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, emphasized the importance of caution, especially as preparations for future elections grow.
“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 Senate Committee on Electoral Matters’ assessment, a clause-by-clause review of the measure shows that its passage would leave Nigerians with a lasting legacy of electoral integrity, increase transparency, and promote public trust in the election process.
The committee recommended that the Senate consider and pass the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, as amended, noting that the proposed reforms aim to increase voter participation, protect against electoral malpractice, and strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission’s institutional capacity.
