Akpabio urges thorough scrutiny as senate reviews electoral act amendment bill

The Senate has set up a seven-member committee to collate and harmonise lawmakers’ views on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, with instructions to submit a consolidated report to the chamber by next Tuesday.

The decision was taken after more than two hours of deliberations on the bill during a closed-door session on Thursday.

The committee is chaired by the chairman of the Senate committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters, Niyi Adegbomore. Its members are Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye and Titus Zam.

Lawmakers gave the panel three days to complete its work ahead of the next plenary session scheduled for next week.

The Senate had earlier begun consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (repeal and re-enactment) Bill 2026, before resolving into a closed session to review documents submitted by the chairman of the Senate committee on electoral matters, Simon Lalong.

The private session was convened to allow senators to examine the proposed amendments and supporting materials in detail before resuming open debate on the legislation.

Consideration of the bill had been deferred on Wednesday to allow lawmakers additional time to study its provisions.

Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, stressed the need for careful scrutiny, citing the far-reaching implications of the legislation for Nigeria’s electoral system.

“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,” Akpabio said.

A clause-by-clause review of the bill by the committee indicates that its passage could strengthen electoral integrity, improve transparency and enhance public confidence in the democratic process.