The Senate has approved a significant amendment to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, reducing the period within which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must issue a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during clause-by-clause consideration of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, following the adoption of a proposal sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Tahir Monguno.
Presenting the amendment, Monguno argued that the existing 360-day requirement was excessive and should be adjusted to six months to better align with current electoral realities.
The deliberation on the bill lasted for over four hours, beginning at about 2 p.m. and concluding around 6:26 p.m., reflecting intense scrutiny by lawmakers.
The Electoral Act amendment bill was the sole item on the Senate’s Order Paper for the day, coming after a valedictory session held in honour of the late former lawmaker, Okey Ezea.
At the Committee of the Whole, senators reviewed all 155 clauses of the proposed legislation and subsequently adopted the committee’s report, paving the way for the bill’s passage.
While several sections of the existing Electoral Act were modified to reflect evolving electoral practices, a substantial number of the provisions were retained without alteration.
Lawmakers said the reduction in the notice period is expected to provide greater operational flexibility for INEC, while still allowing political parties, candidates and other stakeholders adequate time to prepare for elections.
The amendment forms part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future polls.
