The Senate has inaugurated a seven-member committee to reconcile differing views expressed by lawmakers on the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, signalling a critical step in the ongoing legislative review of Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The resolution was reached after more than two hours of intensive deliberations held behind closed doors, during which senators examined key provisions of the bill and exchanged views on its implications for future elections.
At the end of the session, the chamber agreed that a smaller panel was necessary to harmonise submissions and present a unified position for further consideration.
The committee is headed by Senator Niyi Adegbomore, who chairs 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.
Mandated to work within a tight timeframe, the panel has been given three days to collate and distil contributions made by senators and submit a comprehensive report to the Senate.
The report is expected to be laid before the chamber at the next plenary session scheduled for Tuesday.
Earlier on Thursday, the Senate formally began consideration of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2026. Lawmakers moved into a closed session to scrutinise documents and proposals presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.
The private meeting was intended to allow for detailed examination of the amendments before open debate resumes.
The renewed focus on the bill followed a postponement of its consideration the previous day, a move designed to give senators additional time to study the proposed changes and prepare for in-depth discussions.
Although the House of Representatives has already passed the bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of careful review by the upper chamber.
He noted that the legislation carries far-reaching consequences for the credibility of elections and warned against rushing a process that could later be challenged in court.
According to preliminary assessments referenced during deliberations, a clause-by-clause review of the bill suggests that its passage could strengthen electoral integrity, improve transparency in the conduct of polls and enhance public trust in the democratic process.
With the committee now at work, attention turns to its forthcoming report, which is expected to shape the Senate’s final position on one of the most consequential pieces of electoral legislation ahead of upcoming elections.
