JUST IN: Senate Delays Consideration Of Electoral Act Bill

According to Ireporter Online, the Senate on Wednesday, January 28, deferred consideration of the report on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, opting to reconvene in an executive session for a more detailed review before reaching a final decision.

The resolution was taken after deliberations on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters during plenary, which was conducted in the absence of the committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.

Lawmakers agreed to step down debate on the report to allow senators sufficient time to study the provisions of the bill, with consideration expected to resume on Thursday.

As part of the decision, the Senate scheduled an executive session to facilitate closed-door discussions on sensitive aspects of the proposed electoral reforms.

Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio underscored the importance of comprehensive scrutiny by the upper chamber, citing the far-reaching implications of the legislation on Nigeria’s electoral system.

Akpabio noted that the bill is particularly critical as the country approaches another election cycle, stressing the need for thorough examination to prevent future legal disputes arising from the electoral process.

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, in its report, stated that a clause-by-clause review of the bill showed that its passage would leave a lasting legacy of electoral integrity in the country.

The committee explained that the proposed legislation is designed to promote transparency, strengthen public trust in elections and address existing gaps in the current legal framework.

It further recommended the passage of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, as amended, adding that the reforms would expand voter participation, curb electoral malpractice and enhance the operational capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Following the Senate’s decision to suspend debate, attention now turns to Thursday, when lawmakers are expected to resume consideration of the bill after further scrutiny.