The House of Representatives has begun a comprehensive review of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework and ensure credible elections in the run‑up to the 2027 general polls.
At Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, lawmakers undertook a clause‑by‑clause consideration of the bill, approving several amendments aimed at reinforcing the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and addressing gaps exposed during recent elections.
The proposed changes seek to entrench clearer electoral procedures, enhance transparency, and reduce pre‑ and post‑election disputes. Among the sections considered were Clauses 3, 5 and 6, which cover preliminary provisions and key interpretations of the act, aligning the law with evolving electoral realities.
Lawmakers emphasised the urgent need for a robust legal framework to guide election management in the country. They noted that some of the challenges witnessed in past polls, including issues with vote transmission, result collation and dispute resolution, underscored the importance of a strengthened legal regime.
The review exercise is part of broader reforms being championed by the National Assembly to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. Civil society organisations and stakeholders have also consistently called for amendments that would make elections more transparent and accountable, including legal backing for technologies such as electronic result transmission and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
The House committee handling the bill is expected to conduct further hearings and stakeholder consultations before presenting a consolidated version for final adoption. Legislators reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the amended act provides a solid legal foundation for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
