The House of Representatives took a major step toward overhauling Nigeria’s electoral framework on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by approving and amending wide-ranging provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The amendments aim to tighten the electoral process and strengthen the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During an extensive clause-by-clause consideration at plenary, lawmakers adopted several measures designed to plug loopholes identified in recent elections, enhance transparency, and reduce the incidence of pre- and post-election disputes.
Key preliminary provisions under Clauses 3, 5 and 6 were approved to modernise interpretations and definitions contained in the Act.
According to Hon. Fatima Balarabe (Kaduna), the revisions aim to align the law with contemporary electoral realities and eliminate ambiguities that could undermine the process.
The House also adopted Clauses 10 and 12, which reinforce INEC’s statutory authority over the organisation, supervision and conduct of elections, including logistics planning and deployment of personnel.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stressed that the commission must be legally empowered to operate independently and efficiently without undue interference.
In a move to strengthen voter participation and safeguard the integrity of the voters’ register, lawmakers amended Clauses 18 and 22 on voter registration and the compilation, maintenance and public display of the register.
Hon. Balarabe said the amendments would curb manipulation while ensuring that no eligible voter is denied the right to vote because of administrative lapses.
Amendments were also approved for Clauses 23 and 29, which govern political party nominations and the submission of candidates’ lists to INEC. Kalu explained that clearer timelines and compliance requirements would enhance INEC’s oversight of party processes and promote orderly nominations.
To address recurring pre-election disputes, the House adopted Clauses 31, 32 and 34, covering party primaries, publication of candidates’ particulars and qualifications for elective offices. Hon. Chukwudi Eze (Anambra) noted that the provisions are intended to enforce transparency within political parties and ensure that only qualified candidates contest elections.
Further legislative backing was given to the use of technology in elections with the approval of Clauses 47, 50 and 54 on voting procedures, voter accreditation and electronic systems. Eze said the provisions would allow INEC to deploy technology more confidently in managing elections.
The House also approved Clauses 60 and 62 on the declaration, collation, transmission and custody of election results, measures aimed at reducing disputes after polls.
In addition, Clauses 64 and 65 on electoral offences and penalties were adopted to signal a tougher stance against malpractice, including vote-buying.
Hon. Aisha Mohammed (Kano) said stricter penalties are essential to deterring electoral misconduct.
Clauses 71 and 73, which relate to election petitions and timelines for dispute resolution, were approved, while Clause 74 was amended to further streamline post-election legal procedures.
However, consideration of Section 51 was deferred. Deputy Speaker Kalu explained that the section was not contained in the committee’s report presented to the House and, under parliamentary rules, could not be taken at the session.
The House subsequently adopted the committee’s report as a working document, clearing the way for further deliberations on outstanding sections of the bill.
Kalu said the amendments go beyond technical adjustments, describing them as critical steps toward rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to ensuring that future elections are credible, transparent and reflective of the will of the people.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill is widely seen as a landmark effort to deepen democratic governance and restore trust in the country’s electoral process ahead of future elections.
