The Senate on Thursday constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee to collate and refine senators’ contributions to the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, as the upper chamber moves to strengthen the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after a three-hour closed-door executive session, stating that the committee is tasked with synthesising senators’ views and resolving outstanding issues on the proposed legislation.
The panel, he said, is “mandated to contribute, galvanise and distil the opinion of senators on the bill.” It is expected to complete its work within three days and submit its report by Tuesday.
Akpabio named Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, to lead the committee. Other members are Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam.
The establishment of616 the ad hoc panel followed the Senate’s decision on Wednesday to step down debate on the bill’s committee report, which had been presented in the absence of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (though the provided text mentions Simon Lalong, but I think it’s Alli or something, but use provided).
The suspension allowed senators more time to study the document, given its significant implications for the country’s democracy.
While the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, Akpabio emphasised the need for thorough scrutiny in the Senate. “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,” he said.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted key provisions in the proposed amendments, describing them as critical steps toward credible elections. These include heavier penalties for vote-buying — fines of up to N5 million, up to two years’ imprisonment, and a 10-year ban from contesting elections — as well as tougher sanctions for result falsification and obstruction of election officials.
The bill also proposes electronically generated voter identification with downloadable cards featuring unique QR codes, mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results, recognition of voting rights for eligible prisoners, standardisation of delegates for party primaries, and the release of election funds at least one year before polling day.
According to the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, the amendments would enhance transparency, expand voter participation, curb malpractice, and bolster the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Nigeria’s electoral laws have undergone several reforms since the return to democracy in 1999. The Electoral Act 2002 was followed by significant amendments in 2006 and 2010, the latter introducing measures that strengthened INEC’s independence and improved voter registration. The 2022 Electoral Act, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, marked a turning point by authorising electronic transmission of results and introducing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), though initial challenges with implementation persisted.
The current repeal and reenactment bill seeks to build on those gains, addressing lingering concerns over manual processes, funding delays, and inclusivity while introducing stricter deterrents against electoral offences.
Passage of the bill requires concurrence by the Senate and approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, in line with constitutional provisions. The reforms, if enacted, are intended to apply from the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele stressed that the ultimate goal remains good governance, enhanced security, and the welfare of Nigerians. “At the end of it all, good governance, enhanced security and the welfare of our constituents shall remain our cardinal objectives,” he said.
