The Senate on Tuesday once more postponed a decision on the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, prolonging uncertainty over the legal framework expected to guide preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Lawmakers have faced mounting calls to conclude work on the legislation to give the Independent National Electoral Commission a clear basis for planning ahead of the polls.
Plenary was adjourned to Wednesday after senators spent more than four hours in a closed-door session. No official explanation was provided on the outcome of the deliberations, even though consideration of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters’ report on the amendment bill appeared on the day’s Order Paper.
Upon reconvening, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the adjournment without disclosing details of the executive session.
The chamber had similarly stepped down the report last week, choosing instead to subject the proposed amendments to further internal review. The move followed a request by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, who asked that lawmakers be given time to study the report clause by clause.
Akpabio supported the request at the time, warning against rushing legislation with significant consequences for the country’s democratic process.
After another executive session last Thursday, the Senate set up a seven-member ad hoc committee to harmonise members’ positions on the amendments, directing it to report back within three days. As of Tuesday night, it remained unclear whether the panel had completed its work.
Attempts to obtain clarification from the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages seeking comment were not returned.
