The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, deferred consideration of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, opting to reconvene in an executive session to examine the proposed legislation more closely before reaching a final decision.
The decision followed deliberations on the report of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters during plenary, which was held in the absence of the committee’s chairman, Senator Simon Lalong.
Lawmakers agreed to step down debate to allow senators adequate time to study the bill in detail. Consideration is now expected to resume on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
As part of the resolution, the Senate scheduled a closed-door executive session to discuss sensitive provisions of the proposed electoral reforms.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of thorough scrutiny, noting the far-reaching implications of the legislation for Nigeria’s electoral process.
“This is a very important bill, especially as it is election time. We must take our time to ensure justice is done to all, so that we do not end up at the tribunal,” Akpabio said.
According to the committee’s report, a clause-by-clause analysis revealed that passage of the bill would:
- Enhance transparency in elections.
- Boost public confidence in the electoral system.
- Address gaps in the existing legal framework.
- Expand voter participation.
- Safeguard against electoral fraud.
- Strengthen the institutional capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The committee therefore recommended that the Senate consider and pass the bill, as amended.
With the Senate’s decision to step down debate, attention now shifts to Thursday, when lawmakers are expected to resume consideration after further scrutiny.
The House of Representatives has already passed the bill, but the Senate’s cautious approach underscores its determination to leave Nigerians with what the committee described as a “lasting legacy of electoral integrity.”
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