The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and enact a new Electoral Bill 2025, which introduces far-reaching reforms including the mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, was approved during Wednesday’s plenary session after majority support through a voice vote.
Following its passage, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further consideration and a public hearing, with a directive to report back within two weeks.
Lalong, while presenting the bill, said the proposed legislation aims to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework, enhance the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and correct weaknesses identified in the Electoral Act 2022.
He noted that while the 2022 Act introduced key reforms, it also exposed gaps such as delayed release of election funds, disputes over voter registers, conflicting interpretations of result transmission, and weak enforcement of electoral offences.
During debate, lawmakers across party lines expressed support for provisions promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in Nigeria’s elections.
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi North) called for explicit provisions mandating electronic transmission of results and strengthening the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) urged bipartisan cooperation toward building a credible electoral process, while Senator Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) advocated for transparent party primaries and stronger penalties against vote-buying.
Senator Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) supported clauses allowing independent candidacy and the use of electronic transmission, while Senator Olalere Oyewunmi (PDP, Osun West) pushed for stiffer sanctions against electoral offenders, including INEC officials and security personnel who compromise elections.
Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo North) suggested that results should be compiled and announced within six hours after voting, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) emphasized the need to end electoral violence, urging politicians to stop arming thugs during elections.
In his contribution, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) proposed that INEC be empowered to determine the true winners of elections and check the excesses of political parties.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Akpabio commended improvements in Nigeria’s electoral process since 2015 but stressed that more reforms were needed to achieve full transparency.
“INEC must be made responsible because they are the ones in possession of electoral materials. We’ve had improvements, but we need to do more,” Akpabio said.
The Senate thereafter adopted the bill through a unanimous voice vote.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Electoral Bill 2025
The Electoral Bill 2025 seeks to enhance INEC’s autonomy, promote transparency, and ensure credible elections through several new provisions, including:
- Section 3(3): Mandates early release of INEC funds to guarantee timely preparation for elections.
- Section 5: Requires INEC to submit audited financial statements within six months after each fiscal year.
- Section 10(2)(c): Adds the National Identification Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration.
- Sections 12(1)(d) & 12(2): Recognizes voting rights of inmates, provided INEC makes necessary arrangements for their participation.
- Sections 27(5–7): Mandates that presidential and governorship elections be held no later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure.
- Section 44: Introduces early voting provisions for eligible categories.
- Section 60(5): Makes electronic transmission of results compulsory, a key step toward reducing manipulation and ensuring electoral transparency.
The proposed reforms underscore the National Assembly’s renewed commitment to improving Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of future elections.