Senate Suspends Debate on New Electoral Act to Allow Wider Consultations
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Senate has suspended debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and enact a new Electoral Act 2025, citing the need for broader consultations and a deeper understanding of its provisions.
OTN News further reports that the decision was taken during Thursday’s plenary after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti), moved a motion to stand down deliberations on the bill.
OTN News learnt that the motion, seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue), was unanimously adopted by the upper chamber.
Bamidele explained that it was not an appropriate time for the Senate to proceed with the bill, which contains far-reaching electoral reforms. He emphasized the importance of allowing lawmakers to study the bill’s content thoroughly before advancing debate.
“There is a need for further consultations on the bill before proceeding further,” Bamidele said. “Senators must first grasp the general principles and details before taking a position.”
OTN News has earlier reported as the bill, earlier presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau), seeks to overhaul Nigeria’s electoral system through a comprehensive reform rather than a mere amendment.
Lalong acknowledged that while the 2022 Electoral Act brought significant innovations to Nigeria’s elections, it also exposed several weaknesses, including delays in the release of election funds, disputes over the voter register, conflicting interpretations of result transmission, and rampant litigations arising from party primaries.
He also stated that Nigerians are demanding a more holistic legal framework that would address these challenges, strengthen the independence of INEC, and restore public confidence in the electoral process.
According to Lalong, the proposed 2025 Act introduces digital reforms such as continuous voter registration, electronic transmission of results, and digital registers embedded with QR codes.
It also sets stricter timelines and clearer rules for party primaries, candidate nominations, and replacements in cases of death or withdrawal.
“If enacted, the bill would restore public trust, reduce post-election disputes, and empower INEC to function without interference,” Lalong said.
The suspension of the debate is expected to give senators additional time to consult stakeholders and review the bill’s implications before it returns for further consideration at a later date.
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