Nigerian senators during plenary as debate on the Electoral Act Bill is deferred.
Nigeria’s Senate has commence a formal consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, holding a closed-door session to review documents submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.
Lawmakers said the closed session was necessary to allow a careful examination of proposed amendments and supporting documents before open debate resumes on the floor of the Senate.
The move follows Wednesday’s decision by the upper chamber to defer deliberation on the bill, giving senators time to study its contents due to its far-reaching impact on Nigeria’s electoral process.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, the Senate said it must subject the proposed law to detailed scrutiny, especially with future elections in view.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the bill as critical to the country’s democratic stability, warning against rushing legislation that could trigger disputes after elections.
“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,” Akpabio said.
According to findings by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, a clause-by-clause review suggests that the amendments could strengthen electoral integrity, improve transparency, and restore public trust in Nigeria’s voting process.
The committee recommended that the Senate pass the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill as amended, noting that the reforms are expected to widen voter participation, reduce electoral fraud, and enhance the operational capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
If passed, the legislation could shape the conduct of future elections and influence public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
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