Finally! Senate Approves New Electoral Act After Lengthy Debates

According to Ireporter Online, the Senate on Wednesday passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, bringing to an end its clause-by-clause consideration of the proposed legislation after a detailed review of all 155 provisions.

The passage of the bill comes amid heightened national discourse on electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. During deliberations, lawmakers approved several amendments, although most clauses were retained in their original form.

A key amendment adopted by the Senate was the reduction of the timeframe for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days before polling day. The change followed a motion sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno, who maintained that the existing timeline was no longer practical.

Senator Monguno argued that maintaining the 360-day requirement would place INEC at a disadvantage, given the proximity of the next general election. He noted that the revised timeline would enable the electoral body to comply with statutory obligations without being constrained by unrealistic deadlines.

The approval of the bill is regarded as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing electoral reform process, which has undergone prolonged debate and scrutiny within the National Assembly. The Senate had faced mounting pressure from stakeholders to conclude work on the bill in order to provide INEC with a clear legal framework ahead of the upcoming elections.

Earlier in the week, plenary was adjourned to Wednesday following a closed-door session that lasted more than four hours. Details of the meeting were not disclosed, although the consideration of the Committee on Electoral Matters’ report on the Electoral Act Bill featured prominently on the Order Paper. The bill was sponsored by the committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong.

After the closed session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined to reveal specifics of the deliberations, explaining only that discussions centred on issues affecting the Senate and the National Assembly at large.

Subsequently, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion for the suspension of remaining legislative business and adjournment to the next sitting day. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro, leading to the adjournment of plenary.

Prior to its passage, the bill had experienced several delays marked by procedural disagreements and repeated closed sessions, prompting concerns among observers that prolonged indecision could affect preparations for the 2027 elections. Some stakeholders had warned that critical reforms, including provisions related to electoral transparency, could be jeopardised if the process dragged on.

INEC has already released its timetable for the 2027 polls, but acknowledged that the final outcome of the Electoral Act amendment could necessitate adjustments to certain activities.

Following its passage by the Senate, the Electoral Act Bill will now be forwarded to the President for assent, after which it will become operational law.