Senate President Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that the National Assembly may review parts of the Electoral Act 2026 following concerns that some of its provisions have created unexpected challenges for lawmakers seeking re-election.
Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday during the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week and the presentation of the 10th National Assembly’s Third-Year Legislative Scorecard in Abuja.
His comments come after several senators and members of the House of Representatives were unable to secure their parties’ tickets during the recent primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Senate President, the Electoral Act has helped make party primaries more peaceful by reducing violence, but he acknowledged that certain provisions have produced unintended consequences for serving lawmakers.
He said the National Assembly would revisit the legislation to address those issues and ensure that future lawmakers do not encounter similar obstacles when seeking another term in office.
Akpabio, however, did not specify which sections of the law would be amended. He stressed that experienced lawmakers returning to the legislature would benefit the country’s governance and legislative process.
The Senate President also defended the performance of the 10th National Assembly, describing it as one of the most productive and peaceful since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
He noted that the Assembly had made significant progress in lawmaking, constitutional amendments and economic reforms through collaboration with the executive arm of government.
Responding to criticism over bills such as the proposed State Police legislation, Akpabio said the measures had gone through extensive consultations and public hearings across the country before being considered by lawmakers.
He urged Nigerians to study proposed laws before criticising them on social media, adding that the legislature is focused on passing laws that will benefit future generations.
Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen revealed that the House has received 2,747 bills since June 2023, the highest number recorded by any National Assembly since the return to democracy.
He disclosed that 363 bills have been passed, while 72 have received presidential assent.
Abbas explained that the National Assembly Open Week was introduced to promote transparency, accountability and strengthen public confidence in the legislature.
He also announced that the House would withdraw the earlier version of the State Police Bill to allow consideration of a more comprehensive executive bill submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the executive proposal, developed by a presidential committee led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, provides stronger safeguards and a more detailed framework for state policing.
He assured Nigerians that the bill would still undergo public hearings and thorough legislative review before it is passed.
Speaking at the event, Femi Gbajabiamila emphasised the need for transparency, institutional reforms and cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government, noting that mutual respect and adherence to constitutional principles are essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
