Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced that the National Assembly will complete amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, by December 2025, ensuring its application for the 2027 general elections. Speaking after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Bola Tinubu’s request to confirm Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, addressed the delays in the previous amendment process under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Bamidele explained that the 2022 Electoral Bill was not signed due to its late transmission to the Presidency, which Buhari deemed too close to the elections to avoid public misinterpretation. “Between now and December 2025, we will ensure the amendment is concluded well before the 2027 elections,” he assured.
On the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, Bamidele, Vice Chairman of the Senate’s Constitution Review Committee, dismissed concerns of presidential resistance, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders like the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures. He noted that global best practices, including the domestication of international treaties, will guide the process.
Addressing opposition criticism, Bamidele argued that their discontent is strategic, aimed at destabilizing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “Our focus is on rebuilding Nigeria, stabilizing our polity, and growing our economy. We will not be distracted,” he said.
Bamidele outlined the 10th Senate’s priorities for its third legislative year, including the Electoral Act amendment, constitutional review, and other critical issues, underscoring the National Assembly’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s democratic framework.
