In a move to quell rising public debate, the Senate of Nigeria on Tuesday appointed a 12-member committee to collaborate with the House of Representatives in reconciling differences in the Electoral Amendment Act, a bill that has stirred nationwide discussions.
The announcement came during an emergency plenary session by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who underscored the urgency of resolving outstanding disputes to allow the bill to reach the President for signature this month.
“The committee will liaise with their counterparts in the House to harmonize the bill, ensuring that all concerns are addressed swiftly,” Akpabio said.
The senators selected include prominent figures such as Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Orji Uzor Kalu, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, and Jibrin Isa Ochocho. They are tasked with negotiating critical provisions, particularly those surrounding electronic transmission of election results, which has become the focal point of criticism.
Critics argue that changes in the bill, including the removal of the term “real-time” from the e-transmission clause, could weaken electoral transparency and credibility, raising concerns about the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
The joint Senate-House committee is expected to deliberate on contentious matters such as voting timelines, result transmission, and other technical reforms, producing a harmonized version for final approval by both chambers.
Political analysts say the swift formation of this committee reflects the pressure from civil society, opposition parties, and citizens, who have made it clear that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process cannot be compromised.
Elijah Adeyemi
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