The Senate has passed the Electoral Bill 2025 for second reading, setting the stage for major reforms in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage during Wednesday’s plenary after a majority of senators supported it through a voice vote.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), seeks to replace the Electoral Act 2022 to strengthen INEC’s independence, improve result transmission, and enhance election transparency.
During the debate, Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi North) called for the inclusion of clear provisions on the electronic transmission of results.
He urged his colleagues to strengthen the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to ensure transparency in elections.
Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) encouraged all lawmakers, including those in the opposition, to work together towards building a transparent electoral process.
Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) advocated for transparent party primaries, reduced election spending, and stronger measures against vote-buying.
Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) supported provisions for electronic result transmission and independent candidacy, while Olalere Oyewunmi (PDP, Osun West) called for stiffer penalties for electoral offenders, including INEC and security officials who compromise elections.
Oyewunmi, the deputy minority leader, lamented that most individuals found guilty of electoral offences have not been adequately sanctioned.
Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo North) proposed that election results should be compiled and announced within six hours of voting, while Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) emphasised the need to eliminate electoral violence.
Oshiomhole accused politicians of arming thugs to cause mayhem during elections and urged his colleagues to desist from such practices.
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Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) suggested that the amendment should empower INEC to determine the true winner of elections and check the excesses of political parties.
In his closing remarks, the senate president noted that the credibility of Nigeria’s elections has improved since the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) assumed power in 2015, but added that more work is needed to achieve full transparency.
“INEC must be made responsible because they are the ones in possession of electoral materials. We’ve had improvements, but we need to do more,” Mr Akpabio said.
He thereafter put the bill to a voice vote, and the senators overwhelmingly supported it.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further review and public hearing, with a report expected in two weeks.
If passed, the new law will introduce reforms such as early release of INEC funds, recognition of inmate voting rights, mandatory early voting, and compulsory electronic result transmission.