Dickson drives momentum for major electoral reforms as NASS committee wraps critical review
In what may become one of the most consequential overhauls of Nigeria’s electoral laws in recent years, Senator Seriake Dickson on Tuesday led the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Electoral Matters to conclude a pivotal round of deliberations on amendments to the Electoral Act.
Lawmakers said that the emerging proposals aimed to strengthen transparency, rebuild public trust, and modernise the nation’s electoral system.
Senator Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, who presided over the committee’s previous sitting in Lagos, noted that the Abuja meeting brought closure to weeks of internal debate and positioned the committee for a more technical phase of refinement.
The Lagos session had settled major thematic issues before the committee reconvened in the capital to complete its review.
With this phase now concluded, Dickson confirmed that the committee had resolved to invite the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside national commissioners, legal advisers, and technical consultants.
He noted that their participation would enable a clause-by-clause examination of the committee’s proposals, ensuring that the final document presented to both chambers is coherent, implementable, and responsive to Nigeria’s electoral challenges.
Describing the meeting as “highly productive,” Dickson expressed confidence that Nigerians would soon witness the National Assembly begin plenary debates on the updated Electoral Act once the harmonised bill is ready.
“Our commitment is firm: to deliver a strengthened legal framework capable of supporting credible, transparent, and peaceful elections,” the senator said.
He emphasised the committee’s determination to fortify Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
As the amendment process moves closer to the legislative floor, Senator Dickson reaffirmed that the committee’s work is anchored on national interest and democratic advancement, adding in closing: “We wish Nigeria the best.”
