The Senate has set up a seven-member ad hoc committee to collate and harmonise senators’ contributions on the proposed amendment of the Electoral Act, as lawmakers intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision followed a closed-door executive session that lasted about three hours on Thursday, during which senators examined the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill currently before the National Assembly.
Announcing the resolution, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the committee was established to synthesise lawmakers’ views and resolve outstanding issues arising from deliberations on the bill.
According to him, the panel is tasked with “contributing, galvanising and distilling the opinions of senators” on the proposed amendments.
Akpabio disclosed that the committee would be chaired by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, who heads the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. Other members include Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye and Titus Zam.
He added that the committee has a maximum of three days to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Senate by Tuesday.
The Senate had earlier suspended consideration of the report on the Electoral Act amendment bill on Wednesday, opting instead for an executive session to allow lawmakers more time to study the proposed legislation, citing its far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s electoral process.
The report under consideration was presented by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters in the absence of its chairman, Senator Simon Lalong. Lawmakers agreed to defer debate to enable deeper scrutiny of the bill, despite the House of Representatives already passing it.
Akpabio emphasised the need for caution, noting that the Senate must conduct thorough due diligence before concurring with the lower chamber.
“This is a very important bill, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so we do not end up at the tribunal,” he said.
According to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, a clause-by-clause review of the bill indicates that the proposed amendments would strengthen electoral integrity, enhance transparency and improve public confidence in the electoral system.
The committee consequently recommended the passage of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025, as amended, noting that the reforms would widen voter participation, curb electoral malpractice and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele outlined major provisions of the bill, describing it as a significant step toward improving electoral credibility and protecting institutional independence.
He said the proposed amendments introduce stiffer penalties for electoral offences such as vote-buying, including fines of up to ₦5 million, a two-year jail term and a 10-year disqualification from contesting elections. The bill also prescribes tougher sanctions for result falsification and obstruction of election officials.
Other provisions include electronically generated voter identification, such as a downloadable voter card with a unique QR code, mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results, recognition of prisoners’ voting rights, and the registration of eligible inmates by INEC.
Bamidele added that the bill standardises delegates for indirect party primaries and requires the release of election funds at least one year before polling day.
He noted that the reforms are aimed at ensuring credible, transparent and secure elections from the 2027 general polls, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly in line with constitutional requirements.
“At the end of it all, good governance, improved security and the welfare of our constituents remain our core objectives,” Bamidele said.
