Confusion rocked the Senate on Thursday as deliberations on the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 degenerated into disarray, even as lawmakers confirmed Professor Josh Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Amupitan’s confirmation followed his screening by the Senate after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu forwarded his nomination to the upper chamber for approval.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while congratulating the new INEC boss, commended his colleagues for their thorough screening process, saying it reflected the aspirations of Nigerians for credible elections.
“I wish Professor Amupitan well and pray that his service will improve our electoral process, ensure transparency, and guarantee that every vote counts,” Akpabio said. “All hands must be on deck for Nigeria to have a better image in future elections.”
He expressed optimism that Amupitan’s leadership would bring needed reforms to the commission, especially at the local government level, where the “winner-takes-all” culture has been a recurring concern.
However, tension erupted shortly after when the Senate turned to the Electoral Act amendment bill for second reading. The Senate President interrupted the presentation by the Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, saying he had not sufficiently explained the essence of the proposed amendments.
“I think we should go into a closed session,” Akpabio suggested. “Senator Lalong, you’ve not touched the nitty-gritty of why this bill should pass second reading. We need clarity before proceeding to public hearing.”
The move threw the chamber into confusion as microphones were turned off and the Senate leadership, led by Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, huddled briefly with Akpabio.
When the session resumed, Bamidele announced that the bill would be stepped down to allow for further consultations and deeper understanding of its general principles.
“I believe today is not auspicious for an executive session on this bill,” he said. “There’s a need for more consultation and clarity before we can proceed.”
His motion to defer further consideration of the bill was seconded by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, bringing the heated debate to an abrupt end.
