Simon Lalong, chairman of the national assembly joint committee on electoral matters, says the 2025 electoral bill seeks to close the gaps observed during the 2023 elections and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
Declaring open a one-day public hearing on the repeal of the Electoral Act No. 13 of 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2025, Lalong—who represents Plateau south senatorial district—said both the senate and house committees on electoral matters have been engaging with critical stakeholders to ensure that the proposed amendments deepen democracy and improve electoral integrity.
“The 2025 electoral bill seeks to address identified gaps and challenges from the conduct of the 2023 general election, as well as subsequent off-cycle elections,” he said.
“We are not unmindful of the contentious nature of electoral reform, and that is why we are committed to a transparent and non-partisan approach.”
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Lalong said the public hearing provided an opportunity to aggregate views, inputs, and contributions from Nigerians, which would enrich the final draft to be presented for debate and passage by the national assembly.
He noted that elections remain the lifeblood of democracy and must be guided by laws that are “robust, responsive, and reflective of the realities of the time”.
The lawmaker added that the exercise demonstrated the legislature’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in the reform process.
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“The objective is not to serve the interest of any political party or group, but to safeguard the integrity of elections and build public confidence in the democratic process,” he said.
Adebayo Balogun, chairman of the house committee on electoral matters, said the amendment process has received “robust scrutiny” from lawmakers, civil society organisations, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, and development partners.
He urged participants to identify key areas for improvement to produce an electoral law that meets the aspirations of Nigerians.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Mohammed Monguno, the senate’s chief whip, reaffirmed the national assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that strengthen the nation’s democratic institutions.
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Akpabio said the leadership of the legislature remains resolute in addressing grey areas in the 2022 Electoral Act to enhance the credibility of future polls.
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house representatives, represented by Julius Ihonvbere, the house leader, said the lower chamber is fully committed to ensuring that the new electoral framework guarantees credible, free, and fair elections.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the INEC, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
They commended the joint committee for its proactive engagement and called for the speedy passage of the bill to allow INEC adequate preparation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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