Nigeria’s electoral reform process gained fresh momentum on Wednesday as the Senate passed for second reading a bill seeking to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and enact a new Electoral Act 2025, aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the passage during plenary after a majority of lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in support of the bill through a voice vote.
Following the approval, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further legislative work and public hearing. The committee was directed to report back within two weeks.
The bill, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), seeks to build on the gains and address the gaps identified in the 2022 Electoral Act.
Initially presented for second reading last Thursday, the bill was stepped down to allow for broader consultation. It resurfaced at Wednesday’s session, where lawmakers engaged in extensive debate over its general principles.
During the debate, Senator Lalong acknowledged that while the Electoral Act 2022 introduced major improvements, it also exposed weaknesses such as delays in the release of election funds, disputes over voter registers, conflicting interpretations of result transmission, and weak enforcement of electoral offences.
He explained that the new bill seeks to enhance INEC’s operational independence by insulating it from political interference and improving electoral accountability.
“This new legislation aims to strengthen the credibility of our elections and ensure INEC can function without undue external pressure,” Senator Lalong said. “We want to close the gaps that have caused disputes and delays in the past.”
Several lawmakers contributed to the debate, offering key recommendations to ensure a more transparent electoral process.
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi North) called for explicit provisions on the electronic transmission of results, stressing the need to reinforce the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to guarantee electoral integrity.
Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) urged unity among lawmakers across party lines to build a truly transparent and credible electoral process.
Senator Tahir Munguno (APC, Borno North) called for transparent party primaries, reduced election spending, and tougher measures against vote-buying.
Similarly, Senator Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River North) supported electronic transmission of results and advocated for the inclusion of independent candidacy, while Senator Olalere Oyewunmi (PDP, Osun West) demanded stiffer penalties for electoral offenders—including INEC and security officials found complicit in election manipulation.
“It is worrisome that many individuals found guilty of electoral offences have gone unpunished,” Senator Oyewunmi lamented.
Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo North) suggested that results should be compiled and announced within six hours of voting, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) urged colleagues to end the culture of electoral violence.
“Politicians must stop arming thugs to disrupt elections,” Oshiomhole warned. “We cannot continue to destroy the very system that sustains democracy.”
Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) proposed that the new law should empower INEC to determine the true winner of elections and curb the excesses of political parties.
In his closing remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended lawmakers for their contributions, noting that although Nigeria’s electoral system has improved since 2015, more reforms are still needed to guarantee full transparency.
“INEC must be made responsible because they are the ones in possession of electoral materials,” Akpabio said. “We’ve had improvements, but we need to do more.”
The bill was subsequently put to a voice vote and approved for second reading.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Electoral Act 2025
The proposed legislation introduces a series of reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance, enhance INEC’s autonomy, and promote greater transparency and inclusiveness in electoral administration.
Some of the major amendments include:
- Section 3(3): Mandates the early release of INEC funds to ensure timely election preparation and implementation.
- Section 5: Requires INEC to submit audited financial statements within six months after each fiscal year.
- Section 10(2)(c): Adds the National Identification Number (NIN) as a requirement for voter registration.
- Sections 12(1)(d) and 12(2): Recognise the voting rights of inmates, provided INEC makes the necessary arrangements.
- Section 27(5–7): Prescribes specific notice periods for elections, mandating that presidential and gubernatorial elections be conducted no later than 185 days before the expiration of an incumbent’s tenure.
- Section 44: Introduces provisions for mandatory early voting.
- Section 60(5): Makes electronic transmission of results compulsory, to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation.
The proposed Electoral Act 2025 will now undergo further scrutiny during the public hearing stage before being presented for third reading and final passage into law.
