The Nigerian Senate has established a seven-member ad hoc committee tasked with consolidating senators’ inputs on the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, as lawmakers step up efforts to strengthen the country’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision followed a three-hour closed-door executive session on Thursday, during which senators conducted a detailed review of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill currently before the National Assembly.
Speaking after the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the committee’s primary role is to synthesise the opinions of senators and address outstanding concerns regarding the bill.
“The committee is mandated to contribute, galvanise, and distil the views of senators on the bill,” Akpabio said.
The panel will be chaired by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, who also heads the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters. Other members include Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam.
Akpabio added that the committee has three days to complete its work and submit its report to the Senate by Tuesday.
The move comes after the Senate postponed consideration of the Electoral Act amendment report on Wednesday, allowing lawmakers to conduct a more thorough examination during the executive session. The report, originally presented by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, was tabled in the absence of its chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed its version of the bill, Akpabio emphasised the importance of careful review before the Senate gives its concurrence.
“This is a very important bill, especially at election time. We must take the necessary time to ensure justice is done for all, to avoid ending up at the tribunal,” he said.
According to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, a clause-by-clause analysis of the bill shows that the amendments would enhance electoral integrity, improve transparency, and boost public confidence in the voting process. The committee recommended the bill’s passage, noting that the reforms would expand voter participation, curb electoral malpractice, and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Senate is now expected to review the ad hoc committee’s findings and harmonise positions before proceeding to plenary debate.
