The Senate is set to resume deliberations on the controversial Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill on Tuesday, as public concern grows over delays that could affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Following the inauguration of a seven-member ad hoc committee tasked with harmonising senators’ positions on the bill, the upper chamber aims to conclude work and transmit it this week. The panel, chaired by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Niyi Adegbonmire, includes Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the committee was given three days to reconcile differing positions and submit a report to allow the Senate to resume consideration of the bill. “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,” he said.
The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives in December 2025, proposes reforms aimed at enhancing electoral transparency, curbing malpractice, and strengthening the institutional capacity of INEC. Key provisions include:
- Stiffer penalties for vote-buying, including fines up to N5m, a two-year jail term, and a 10-year ban from contesting elections;
- Tougher sanctions for result falsification and obstruction of election officials;
- Electronically generated voter IDs with QR codes and mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results;
- Voting rights for inmates and registration of eligible prisoners;
- Standardisation of delegates for indirect party primaries;
- Timely release of election funds, at least one year before polling.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the amendments as critical steps toward credible, transparent, and secure elections beginning with the 2027 polls, subject to approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly.
However, legal experts and opposition parties have criticised repeated delays. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana warned that procrastination could undermine public confidence in the elections. “The only politically important issue today is the gale of defections in Nigeria, yet the National Assembly focuses on time-wasting amendments,” he said, recalling unresolved reforms dating back to 2008.
Opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, Labour Party, and New Nigeria People’s Party, have echoed concerns that continued delays may threaten the credibility of the 2027 elections.
The Senate maintains that the newly constituted ad hoc committee will fast-track deliberations and ensure the bill’s timely completion.