Lawmakers review key reforms to strengthen election transparency and digital result transmission
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters has intensified work on proposed amendments to Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, holding a one-day retreat in Abuja to harmonise key changes before final legislative consideration.
Declaring the retreat open, the Committee Chairman and Senator representing Plateau South, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, said the Electoral Bill 2025 must strengthen public confidence, improve transparency and ensure future elections are free from manipulation and legal ambiguity.
He said the review aims to “clean up” provisions of the current law, resolve gaps identified in recent elections and prepare the system for emerging political and technological challenges.
“Our duty is to ensure the Bill addresses today’s electoral challenges while anticipating future trends,” Senator Lalong said, adding that the committee’s work must reinforce fairness, accountability and a level playing field for all political actors.
Key Reform Issues Debated
One of the major debates relates to whether categories of Nigerians, such as security personnel, accredited journalists, election observers and INEC staff should be allowed to vote early ahead of the general polls.
Former Governor and committee member Senator Seriake Dickson reported that earlier deliberations at a Lagos workshop did not support the proposal, though he noted the issue may return if new evidence or legal arguments are presented.
Another contested issue was the voting rights of prison inmates. Senator Dickson said the Lagos meeting opposed the idea on grounds of logistical and legal complications, although members were reminded of a subsisting court judgment recognising the constitutional right of inmates to vote.
“At the last Joint Committee meeting in Lagos, which I had the honour of chairing, we concluded our discussions and adjourned to reconvene in Abuja, which we have done, and we have today concluded our discussions on the Electoral Act”.
Digital Reforms and Election Integrity
The retreat also reviewed proposals to strengthen electronic transmission of results. Senator Dickson said there was strong consensus for clearer legal language mandating digital transmission of results alongside paper copies to avoid ambiguity in future elections.
Proposals on:
- penalties for buying and selling voter cards,
- voter card replacement procedures,
- strengthening procurement standards, and
- clearer terminology for voter accreditation technology (including BVAS) were also discussed.
Some Proposals May Require Constitutional Amendments
A report presented by the Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, noted that some proposals, particularly those concerning election petitions and expanded eligibility rights may require constitutional amendment rather than simple legislative changes.
NASS Leadership Promises Timely Delivery
Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, said the committee is working to meet public expectations as Nigerians anticipate a stronger and more responsive electoral legal framework in 2025.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, also joined the technical session to present the Commission’s perspectives on the reforms.
The committee is expected to resume further deliberations in the coming weeks before forwarding the harmonised Bill to both chambers of the National Assembly for final action
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