The Nigerian Senate has passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 for second reading, marking a major step toward strengthening the nation’s electoral framework.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the development during Wednesday’s plenary after a voice vote showed overwhelming support from lawmakers. The bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), seeks to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and replace it with a more robust legal structure to enhance credibility and efficiency in Nigeria’s elections.
Following its passage, the legislation was referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further deliberation and a public hearing. The committee is expected to present its findings within two weeks.
Purpose of the Amendment
Presenting the bill, Senator Lalong who also chairs the Electoral Committee said the amendment aims to correct flaws in the 2022 Act.
He identified recurring issues such as delayed election funding, voter register disputes, confusion over electronic result transmission, and lenient penalties for electoral offences as factors undermining public confidence.
According to him, the proposed law will shield INEC from political interference, ensure early release of funds, and promote free, fair, and credible elections.
Senators Debate New Provisions
The bill sparked robust debate across party lines.
- Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi North) called for clearer electronic transmission rules and a stronger BVAS system.
- Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) urged bipartisan collaboration to ensure election transparency.
- Senator Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) advocated cleaner primaries, reduced campaign spending, and stiffer penalties for vote-buying.
From the opposition, Senator Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) backed electronic result transmission and independent candidacy, while Senator Olalere Oyewunmi (PDP, Osun West) pushed for tougher sanctions on compromised INEC or security officials.
Other contributions included Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo North), who proposed that results be declared within six hours of voting, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who condemned the arming of thugs during elections.
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) urged INEC to be empowered to declare authentic results and monitor political parties’ conduct.
Akpabio’s Remarks
Senate President Akpabio commended the bill’s sponsors and emphasized the need for continued improvement in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
“INEC must be held accountable because they handle election materials. We’ve improved since 2015, but there’s still room for growth,” Akpabio said before putting the bill to a vote. The senators unanimously approved it for second reading.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Electoral Act 2025
- Early INEC Funding: Section 3(3) mandates timely release of election funds.
- Financial Transparency: Section 5 requires INEC to submit audited accounts within six months after each fiscal year.
- NIN Requirement: Section 10(2)(c) adds National Identification Number as a requirement for voter registration.
- Voting Rights for Inmates: Sections 12(1)(d) and 12(2) grant eligible inmates the right to vote, provided INEC ensures logistics.
- Election Timetable: Section 27(5–7) mandates presidential and governorship polls to hold at least 185 days before current tenures expire.
- Early Voting: Section 44 introduces early voting options.
- Electronic Result Transmission: Section 60(5) makes digital transmission of results compulsory to strengthen transparency and curb rigging.
