Writing By Bashir M; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The National Assembly has assured Nigerians that their yearnings and aspirations will be fully reflected in new legislations designed to strengthen the nation’s democratic process.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, gave the assurance while declaring open a one-day public hearing on the proposed repeal of the Electoral Act No. 13 of 2022 and the enactment of the Electoral Act 2025.
Senator Akpabio, who was represented by the Senate Chief Whip, Muhammad Tahir Monguno, said the gathering was not mere legislative housekeeping but part of efforts to align Nigeria’s democracy with current realities and international best practices.
He stated that as representatives of the people, the National Assembly will continue to ensure that laws enacted reflect the true yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.
According to him, the legislature remains committed to building an electoral system that incorporates ideas and inputs from all parts of the country to ensure free, transparent, and credible elections.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, said the proposed amendment seeks to strengthen measures against electoral fraud and improve access for persons with disabilities.
He added that the bill would establish clearer timelines for resolving election disputes, remove ambiguities in the law, and empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to better manage future elections.
Hon. Abbas noted that the reforms aim to make the 2027 general elections free, fair, transparent, and credible, devoid of post-election controversies.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, highlighted the importance of the hearing as a crucial step toward strengthening Nigeria’s political institutions through inclusive and participatory lawmaking.
Senator Lalong emphasized that the objective of the amendment is not to serve any political interest but to safeguard the integrity of elections and build public confidence in the democratic process.
He commended the contributions of stakeholders and assured that their inputs would guide the committee’s work toward a stronger, more transparent electoral framework.
Development partners, including the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the UK International Development, lauded the National Assembly for the initiative and pledged continued support for credible electoral processes in Nigeria.
A former member of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Amina Aliyu from Nasarawa State, also praised the initiative but called for greater inclusion of women in the electoral process.
She stressed that women play vital roles during elections and should be given more opportunities to contribute to governance and decision-making.
Bashir M
