Reps Push Electoral Reforms, Ex
The House of Representatives on Wednesday intensified efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral system, approving far-reaching amendments to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill aimed at strengthening the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tightening electoral procedures and closing loopholes exposed in recent elections.
During a clause-by-clause consideration at plenary, lawmakers adopted several provisions designed to enhance transparency, improve the conduct of elections and reduce post-election disputes.
Clauses 3, 5 and 6, which deal with preliminary provisions and interpretations under the Act, were approved to update legal definitions in line with modern electoral practices. According to Hon. Fatima Balarabe (Kaduna), clear and updated definitions are essential to prevent ambiguities that could undermine the electoral process.
The House also adopted Clauses 10 and 12, which reinforce INEC’s authority over the organisation, supervision and management of elections, including logistics and staff deployment. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stressed that the commission must have firm legal backing to operate efficiently and independently.
Amendments to Clauses 18 and 22, covering voter registration and the compilation, maintenance and display of the voters’ register, were approved to curb manipulation and enhance voter inclusion. Lawmakers said the changes would help protect eligible voters from disenfranchisement.
Further amendments were adopted to Clauses 23 and 29, which regulate political party nominations and the submission of candidates’ lists to INEC, with clearer timelines and compliance measures introduced to strengthen oversight of party processes.
Clauses 31, 32 and 34, addressing party primaries, publication of candidates’ particulars and qualifications for elective offices, were approved to tackle pre-election irregularities and promote transparency.
The House also approved Clauses 47, 50 and 54 relating to voting procedures, voter accreditation and the use of technology in elections, providing INEC with stronger legal support to deploy electronic systems.
In addition, Clauses 60 and 62, which focus on the declaration, collation, transmission and custody of election results, were adopted to minimise disputes after elections. Clauses 64 and 65 on electoral offences and penalties were also approved, signalling a tougher stance against malpractice such as vote-buying.
Lawmakers further adopted Clauses 71 and 73, dealing with election petitions and timelines for dispute resolution, while Clause 74 was amended to streamline post-election legal procedures.
However, consideration of Section 51 was deferred. Deputy Speaker Kalu explained that the provision was not included in the committee report presented to the House and could not be considered under parliamentary rules.
With the adoption of the committee’s report as a working document, the House paved the way for further deliberations on outstanding sections of the bill.
“These amendments are not mere legal technicalities,” Kalu said. “They are deliberate steps toward restoring Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral process and ensuring that future elections are free, fair and credible.”
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill is seen as a critical move toward strengthening democratic governance and rebuilding public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future polls.
