Nigerian Senate Sets Up Ad‑Hoc Team to Advance Electoral Reform Talks

The Nigerian Senate has moved to accelerate its review of proposed changes to the country’s electoral laws by forming a special committee tasked with reconciling differing viewpoints on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026.

The panel, composed of seven senators, was established following extensive discussions in a closed‑door session of the upper chamber. It is led by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, and includes lawmakers from across party lines.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the group has been given a tight deadline — just 48 hours — to harmonise and present a consolidated report on the bill’s provisions ahead of the next plenary session.

Leadership emphasised that the amendment is intended to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework by improving transparency, expanding voter participation, and addressing weaknesses identified in previous election cycles.

The committee’s findings will play a key role in determining how the Senate proceeds with consideration of the legislation, which has become a focal point in the lead‑up to future national elections.