Senate Sets Up Special Committee to Review Electoral Act Amendment Bill Ahead of 2027

The Senate has established a special committee to review and harmonise differing perspectives on the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework.

The committee will be chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire (APC, Ondo Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Its members include Senators Adamu Aleiro (APC, Kebbi Central), Waziri Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), Mohammed Goje (APC, Gombe Central), Tony Nwoye (APC, Ebonyi North), and Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West).

Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio announced the committee’s formation on Thursday following hours of a closed-door session. He mandated that the committee complete its work within 48 hours and submit its report ahead of the next plenary session scheduled for Tuesday.

Explaining the committee’s mandate, Akpabio said the amendment seeks to reform the nation’s electoral process by enhancing transparency, increasing voter confidence, and encouraging wider participation.

“The objective of this amendment is to strengthen the credibility of our electoral system and address grey areas observed in previous elections,” he said, stressing the importance of careful scrutiny given the bill’s implications.

“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 added.

Among the key proposals under consideration are the electronic transmission of election results, tougher penalties for electoral offences, and an expansion of voter identification options to reduce fraud and malpractice.

Lawmakers emphasised that the committee’s tight deadline reflects the urgency of providing a credible and effective legal framework ahead of future elections.

“The Senate is determined to ensure that the Electoral Act reflects best practices and responds to the expectations of Nigerians,” the Senate leadership said.

The committee is expected to present its report at the next Senate sitting for consideration and potential adoption.