The Senate has constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee to harmonise lawmakers’ submissions on the proposed amendment of the Electoral Act, as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision followed a closed-door executive session that lasted about three hours on Thursday, during which senators reviewed key provisions of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill currently before the National Assembly.
Announcing the resolution after the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the committee was established to synthesise the views of senators and resolve outstanding concerns surrounding the proposed amendments.
“The committee has been mandated to contribute, harmonise and distil the opinions of distinguished senators on the Electoral Act amendment bill,” Akpabio said.
He disclosed that the panel would be chaired by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, who heads the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.
Other members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye and Titus Zam.
Akpabio added that the committee has a maximum of three days to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Senate by Tuesday.
The Senate had earlier stepped down consideration of the Electoral Act amendment report to allow for deeper scrutiny of the bill, citing its far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.
The move followed deliberations on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, which was presented in the absence of its chairman, Senator Simon Lalong. Lawmakers agreed that additional time was required to thoroughly examine the proposed reforms.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, Akpabio stressed that the Senate must exercise due diligence before concurring.
“This is a very important bill, especially as we approach another election cycle. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” he said.
According to the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, the proposed amendments are expected to strengthen electoral integrity, enhance transparency and boost public confidence in the electoral system.
The committee recommended the passage of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, as amended, noting that the reforms would expand voter participation, curb electoral malpractice and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele outlined major provisions of the bill, describing it as a significant step towards improving electoral credibility.
“The bill introduces stiffer penalties for electoral offences such as vote-buying, including fines of up to ₦5 million, a two-year jail term, and a 10-year disqualification from contesting elections,” Bamidele said.
He added that the proposed law prescribes tougher sanctions for result falsification and obstruction of election officials, mandates the electronic transmission of polling unit results, and introduces electronically generated voter identification, including a downloadable voter card with a unique QR code.
Bamidele further disclosed that the bill recognises the voting rights of prisoners, mandates INEC to register eligible inmates, standardises delegates for indirect party primaries, and requires the release of election funds at least one year before polling day.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at guaranteeing credible, transparent and secure elections starting from the 2027 general elections, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, in line with constitutional provisions.
“At the end of the process, good governance, enhanced security and the welfare of Nigerians will remain our cardinal objectives,” Bamidele said.
