The Senate has commenced consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, moving into a closed-door session to examine documents submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.
The closed session was convened to enable senators to undertake a detailed review of the proposed amendments and supporting documents before resuming plenary debate on the bill.
This development follows the Senate’s decision on Wednesday to defer consideration of the bill to allow lawmakers adequate time for preparation and in-depth analysis.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the need for careful scrutiny, citing the far-reaching implications of the legislation for Nigeria’s electoral system.
“This is a very important bill, especially as we approach an election season. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” Akpabio said.
According to findings by the committee, a clause-by-clause analysis of the proposed legislation indicates that its passage would leave an enduring legacy of electoral integrity, enhance transparency, and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
The committee consequently recommended that the Senate consider and pass the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2025, as amended, noting that the proposed reforms would expand voter participation, curb electoral malpractice, and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
