The Nigerian Senate has commenced steps to rescind and recommit the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, citing concerns over the proposed timing of the 2027 general elections and technical inconsistencies in the legislation.
Raising a motion under Order 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele called for the reversal of the bill’s earlier passage and its return to the Committee of the Whole for further review.
Bamidele explained that the move followed the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing the 2027 general elections for February 2027 after consultations with the National Assembly leadership.
According to him, stakeholders have expressed concern that the 360-day notice requirement in Clause 28 of the amended law could result in elections being scheduled during the Ramadan period. Lawmakers argued that conducting elections during Ramadan may adversely affect voter turnout, logistics, stakeholder participation, and the overall credibility and inclusiveness of the process.
Beyond the timing concerns, the Senate also identified technical discrepancies in the bill’s Long Title and several clauses, including issues with cross-referencing, numbering, and internal consistency across multiple provisions.
Meanwhile, tensions flared in the House of Representatives during deliberations on a related motion seeking to rescind the chamber’s approval of the “real-time” electronic transmission clause in the Electoral Act amendment.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, had moved the motion to align with the Senate’s position. However, when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the matter to a voice vote, protests erupted after he ruled in favour of the “ayes,” despite louder opposition from “nays,” leading to an executive session.
The developments underscore ongoing legislative efforts to harmonise the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.
