The Nigerian Senate has passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 for second reading.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during Wednesday’s plenary after a voice vote showed overwhelming support from senators.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), seeks to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and replace it with a stronger legal framework for elections in Nigeria.
Following its passage, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further deliberation and public hearing. The committee is expected to report back within two weeks.
Aim of the Amendment
Presenting the bill, Senator Lalong, who chairs the committee, said the new legislation would correct weaknesses in the 2022 Act.
He noted that issues such as delays in releasing election funds, disputes over voter registers, conflicting interpretations of electronic result transmission, and weak punishment for electoral offenders had weakened public trust.
According to him, the amendment seeks to protect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from political interference and ensure credible elections.
Senators Debate New Provisions
During debate, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi North) urged the inclusion of clear provisions for electronic transmission of results and a stronger BVAS system.
Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) called on both ruling and opposition lawmakers to unite for transparent elections.
Senator Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) pushed for cleaner primaries, less campaign spending, and stronger sanctions against vote-buying.
From the opposition, Senator Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) supported electronic transmission and independent candidacy, while Senator Olalere Oyewunmi (PDP, Osun West) demanded tougher penalties for compromised INEC or security officials.
Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo North) proposed that election results should be announced within six hours of voting.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) condemned politicians who arm thugs during polls and called for an end to electoral violence.
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) suggested that INEC be empowered to declare the true winner of elections and monitor political parties’ conduct.
Akpabio’s Remarks
Senate President Akpabio said the credibility of Nigeria’s elections had improved since 2015 but admitted that full transparency had not yet been achieved.
“INEC must be held accountable because they handle election materials. We’ve improved, but there’s still room for growth,” Akpabio said.
He then put the bill to a voice vote, and 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 funds for election preparation.
Financial transparency: Section 5 requires INEC to submit audited accounts within six months of each fiscal year.
NIN for voter registration: Section 10(2)(c) adds the National Identification Number as a registration requirement.
Voting rights for inmates: Sections 12(1)(d) and 12(2) grant eligible inmates voting rights if INEC provides logistics.
Election timetable: Section 27(5–7) mandates presidential and governorship polls be held at least 185 days before current tenures expire.
Early voting: Section 44 introduces early voting options.
Electronic result transmission: Section 60(5) makes digital result transmission compulsory to ensure transparency and prevent rigging.
