Reps Amend Electoral Act, Boost INEC Powers, Defer Section 51
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral system by approving and modifying key provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The legislation seeks to strengthen the authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tighten electoral processes, and address loopholes exposed during recent elections.
In a detailed plenary debate, lawmakers examined the bill clause by clause, adopting measures intended to enhance transparency, improve election conduct, and minimize post-election disputes.
Clauses 3, 5, and 6, which cover preliminary provisions and key interpretations under the Act, were approved to update definitions in line with contemporary electoral practices. Hon. Fatima Balarabe (Kaduna) stated,
“It is critical that our legal definitions reflect contemporary realities to avoid ambiguities that can undermine electoral processes.”
Clauses 10 and 12, reinforcing INEC’s authority over the organisation, supervision, and management of elections, including logistics and deployment of staff, were also adopted. Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu remarked, “INEC must have the legal backing to deploy its personnel and resources efficiently, without interference, to ensure smooth conduct of elections.”
Clauses 18 and 22, concerning voter registration and the compilation, maintenance, and public display of the voters’ register, were amended to prevent manipulation and broaden voter inclusion. Hon. Balarabe added, “No eligible voter should be disenfranchised due to errors in the register. These provisions will help safeguard every citizen’s right to vote.”
The House also approved amendments to Clauses 23 and 29, governing political party nominations and the submission of candidate lists to INEC. Hon. Kalu said, “We have clarified timelines and compliance measures so that INEC can effectively supervise political parties and ensure a smooth nomination process.”
Clauses 31, 32, and 34, covering party primaries, publication of candidates’ particulars, and qualifications for elective offices, were approved to address pre-election irregularities. Hon. Chukwudi Eze (Anambra) noted,
“These clauses ensure transparency in party primaries and verify that candidates meet the legal requirements.”
Further approvals were recorded for Clauses 47, 50, and 54, which relate to voting procedures, voter accreditation, and the use of technology in elections. Hon. Eze emphasized,
“Technology must support our elections. These clauses provide INEC the legal backing to deploy electronic systems confidently.”
Clause 60, which deals with the declaration of results, and Clause 62, strengthening provisions on the collation, transmission, and custody of results, were also approved to reduce post-election disputes. Clauses 64 and 65, outlining electoral offences and penalties, were adopted to signal a tougher stance against malpractice, including vote-buying. Hon. Aisha Mohammed (Kano) observed,
“Streamlining legal processes and enforcing strict penalties is key to deterring electoral malpractice.”
Clauses 71 and 73, which cover election petitions and timelines for resolving disputes, were approved, while Clause 74 was amended to further streamline post-election legal procedures.
However, consideration of Section 51 was deferred to a later plenary. Deputy Speaker Kalu explained,
“Section 51 was not part of the committee report before the House, and under our rules, it cannot be considered at this session.”
The committee’s report on the bill was adopted as a working document, paving the way for further deliberations on outstanding provisions.
Deputy Speaker Kalu added, “These amendments are not mere legal technicalities; they represent steps toward restoring Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral process. We are committed to ensuring that future elections are free, fair, and credible.”
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill is widely regarded as a pivotal step in reinforcing democratic governance and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of upcoming elections.
•INDEPENDENTNG.