The Senate on Tuesday failed to reach a final decision on the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, after spending more than four hours deliberating on the matter, leaving the proposed amendment inconclusive.
The prolonged consideration followed the presentation of a report by a seven-member ad hoc committee set up to collate and harmonise submissions and opinions of senators on the bill. Despite expectations of a resolution, the upper chamber ended the session without a clear outcome.
Proceedings initially began in an open plenary before lawmakers resolved into a closed-door session to scrutinise the committee’s consolidated report and accompanying documents. However, when the Senate reconvened, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined to disclose details of the deliberations, opting instead to adjourn plenary to the next legislative day.
The development effectively stalled progress on the bill, which is considered crucial to Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future elections.
Last week, the Senate constituted the seven-man ad hoc committee after over two hours of intense debate on the bill’s provisions during a closed session. The committee was mandated to harmonise diverse views on the proposed amendments and present a unified report to the chamber.
The panel is chaired by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, with other members including Senators Adamu Aliero, Aminu Tambuwal, Adams Oshiomhole, Danjuma Goje, Tony Nwoye, and Titus Zam.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Senate formally commenced consideration of the bill before resolving to meet behind closed doors to examine detailed proposals and justifications submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong.
The latest delay follows an earlier decision by the Senate to defer consideration of the bill to allow lawmakers more time for review. With no resolution reached, the fate of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill remains uncertain as Nigerians await the Senate’s next move.
