(DDM) – The House of Representatives has set up a bipartisan conference committee to reconcile differences between the versions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed by the National Assembly’s two chambers.
DDM notes that the development was confirmed in a statement on Thursday by the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, who said the decision followed a directive from the leadership of the Green Chamber.
The committee is chaired by Rep. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters. Other members include Reps. Fred Agbedi, Sada Soli, Ahmadu Jaha, Iduma Igariwey Enwo, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, and Dr. Zainab Gimba.
The panel is mandated to work closely with its counterpart from the Senate to produce a harmonised version of the bill for final passage by the National Assembly.
According to Rotimi, “The conference committee is mandated to engage with its counterpart from the Senate to reconcile the differing provisions in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, with a view to producing a harmonised version for final passage by the National Assembly.”
The House emphasized that the exercise is critical to advancing electoral reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, credibility, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier announced the Senate’s conference committee, chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong. Members of the Senate panel include Senators Niyi Adegbonmire, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Abbas, and Tokunbo Abiru.
The committees from both chambers are expected to engage in robust negotiations to harmonise contentious clauses, including the contentious timelines for elections, the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) regulations, and the use of electronic transmission of results.
Political analysts note that the collaboration between the House and Senate committees is crucial to fast-tracking the legislative process, reducing uncertainty, and preventing legal loopholes that could affect the 2027 elections.
The move underscores the determination of the National Assembly to improve Nigeria’s electoral legal framework, following months of public debates, civil society advocacy, and media scrutiny over the bill.
Observers also point out that a harmonised Electoral Act amendment is key to ensuring that both chambers present a unified law for presidential assent, preventing conflicts that could undermine electoral credibility.
With elections fast approaching, the harmonisation exercise is likely to be closely monitored by political parties, civil society groups, and voters, who are keen to see reforms that strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.
The conference committee is expected to submit a reconciled version of the bill in the coming weeks, setting the stage for final consideration and presidential assent, potentially shaping the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
Lawmakers have reiterated their commitment to delivering reforms that balance transparency, efficiency, and legal certainty in Nigeria’s voting processes, as pressure mounts from both domestic and international stakeholders.
