The Senate on Thursday temporarily stepped down debate on the Electoral Bill 2025 to allow for further consultations and detailed examination of the proposed reforms.
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The decision followed the lead debate on the general principles of the bill by Senator Simon Lalong (Plateau South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters. Lalong had outlined the objectives of the proposed legislation, describing it as a comprehensive reform aimed at providing Nigeria with a more credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral framework.
Presenting the bill, which was first read on October 8, 2025, Lalong noted that the 2023 general elections exposed both strengths and weaknesses in the current system under the 2022 Electoral Act. He highlighted critical gaps, including delays in election funding, disputes over voter registers, conflicting interpretations of result transmission, and weak enforcement of electoral offences.
“The 2023 elections tested our democracy in profound ways. Nigerians expect not patchwork corrections, but a holistic law that restores faith in the electoral process,” Lalong said. The proposed bill seeks to improve transparency, efficiency, and integrity in elections, strengthen INEC’s independence, enhance voter participation, and impose stricter penalties for electoral malpractices. Specific reforms include early release of INEC funds, continuous voter registration, digital results registers, QR-coded voter IDs, and clearer timelines for party primaries and candidate nominations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, presiding over the session, stressed the need for detailed review of the bill’s provisions, noting lessons from his 2019 election experience. “The legislation was clear, yet those meant to uphold it acted otherwise. If we want to fix our electoral system, we must ensure accountability and fairness across all institutions involved,” Akpabio said. He also highlighted concerns about lengthy pre-election timelines, which can affect governance and service delivery.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) subsequently moved a motion to step down consideration of the bill, seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South). The motion was approved by a voice vote, temporarily halting further debate.
Earlier in the week, the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters held a joint public hearing on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025. Among notable proposals is a shift in the timing of the 2027 presidential and governorship elections to November 2026, allowing a 185-day window before the expiration of the current officeholders’ terms. Lawmakers said the change is intended to create sufficient time for election petitions, transitions, and governance continuity.
While the Senate broadly supports comprehensive electoral reforms, key details, particularly regarding timelines, campaign finance, and INEC’s autonomy, are still under review. The bill is expected to return to the floor for further deliberation once senators have completed consultations and clarifications on its provisions.
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