The Senate has taken steps to rescind and recommit the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, citing concerns over technical inconsistencies in the legislation and its alignment with the timetable for the 2027 general elections.
Rising under Order 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion to reverse the earlier passage of the bill and return it to the Committee of the Whole for fresh deliberation.
Bamidele explained that the development followed the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixing the 2027 general elections for February, after consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly.
Stakeholders had raised concerns that the proposed date conflicts with the 360-day notice requirement for elections stipulated in the amended law.
The Ekiti Central lawmaker noted that strict adherence to Clause 28 of the bill could schedule the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections during the Ramadan period, potentially affecting voter turnout, logistical coordination, stakeholder participation, and the overall inclusiveness and credibility of the polls.
Bamidele also highlighted discrepancies in the Long Title and several clauses of the bill, including Clauses 6, 9, 10, 22, 23, 28, 29, 32, 42, 47, 51, 60, 62, 64, 65, 73, 77, 86, 87, 89, 93, and 143. These issues reportedly affected cross-referencing, serial numbering, and internal consistency within the legislation.
Tension in the House of Representatives
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives experienced a rowdy session over a separate motion to rescind the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, which included provisions for real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The motion, moved by Francis Waive, sought to reverse the House’s December 23 decision on the bill, aligning with the Senate’s position.
When Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called for a voice vote, the “nays” reportedly outnumbered the “ayes,” but the Speaker ruled in favor of the motion. The ruling triggered protests from several lawmakers, prompting the Speaker to adjourn into a closed-door executive session.
The twin developments underscore growing legislative scrutiny over the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 polls, with lawmakers seeking to ensure the elections are inclusive, credible, and logistically feasible.
