The Senate on Thursday, October 16, paused discussions on the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill 2025 to allow for clearer explanations on its key provisions before moving forward.
The bill, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South), seeks to repeal the 2022 Electoral Act and replace it with a more comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and fairness in Nigeria’s elections.
While presenting the bill, Lalong said it was not a minor amendment but a complete reform inspired by lessons from the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the elections revealed both progress and flaws within the current system, particularly in areas such as result transmission, voter registration, and enforcement of electoral offences.
“The 2023 elections tested our democracy in profound ways,” he said. “While the 2022 Act introduced landmark innovations, it also exposed critical gaps.”
The proposed law recommends early funding for INEC, continuous voter registration, digital result registers, clearer timelines for primaries, and stronger penalties for electoral misconduct.
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During deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio requested further clarification on the specific reforms being proposed.
Drawing from his 2019 election experience, he stressed the need for a legal framework that ensures accountability and fairness.
“If we want to fix our electoral system, we must ensure fairness across all institutions involved,” he said.
Following his intervention, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion to suspend further debate on the bill, which was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) and adopted by the chamber.
The bill is expected to return for consideration after detailed consultations, as lawmakers continue to seek comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.