The Senate on Wednesday deferred consideration of the report on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, opting for further scrutiny of the proposed amendments before reaching a final decision.
The decision followed deliberations during plenary on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, which was presented in the absence of the committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.
Lawmakers agreed to step down debate on the report to allow senators additional time to study the bill in detail, with consideration scheduled to resume on Thursday.
The upper chamber also resolved to reconvene in an executive session to allow for closed-door discussions on sensitive provisions of the proposed electoral reforms, underscoring concerns about the far-reaching implications of the legislation.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, the Senate insisted on a more deliberate review process.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised the need for caution, particularly as preparations for future elections gather momentum.
“This is a very important bill, especially as we approach 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 the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, a clause-by-clause review of the bill suggests that its passage would leave Nigerians with a lasting legacy of electoral integrity, enhance transparency, and boost public confidence in the electoral process.
The committee therefore recommended that the Senate consider and pass the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, as amended, noting that the reforms are aimed at expanding voter participation, curbing electoral malpractice, and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
