The House of Representatives has defended the delay in passing the Electoral Amendment Bill, saying the extra time is needed to harmonise differing views and produce a credible and widely acceptable legal framework.
Spokesman for the House, Mr. Akintunde Rotimi, said the process is deliberate and aimed at addressing gaps observed during the 2023 general elections while strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
Rotimi spoke in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State while commissioning road projects in Isaba and Oke-Ayedun, as well as a staff quarters at Odo-Oro High School.
Responding to concerns over the pace of the bill, he explained that the House had already passed its version before the December recess, while the Senate is still considering the legislation.
According to him, the reforms are designed to improve transparency, credibility, and efficiency in the electoral process.
“The Electoral Reform Bill before the National Assembly is targeted at improving the transparency, credibility and efficiency of our democratic system and addressing shortcomings exposed during the 2023 elections,” he said.
Rotimi noted that the Joint House and Senate Committees on Electoral Reforms have held several meetings, retreats, and consultations with community leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to ensure broad input.
He added that lawmakers are currently at the harmonisation stage and assured Nigerians that the process would be concluded soon.
The lawmaker, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency (Ikole/Oye), stressed that credible elections remain the foundation of democracy and that the amendments would help guarantee that citizens can vote freely and trust that their votes count.
Highlighting his legislative work, Rotimi said he has sponsored more than 40 bills, including proposals on preventing sexual harassment in educational institutions, independent candidacy, and whistleblower protection.
Speaking on the commissioned projects, he said they were executed in response to the needs of constituents and reflected the House’s commitment to impactful constituency development.
He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu to enable the government to deliver on its promises.
