Bamidele: Electoral Act amendment to be ready before December 2025

He ruled out fears that the Presidency might frustrate the effort, adding that both arms of government are working in harmony.

By Deborah Hassan

365Daily – Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, has announced that the National Assembly will complete work on the amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022, before December 2025, well ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, made the disclosure on Tuesday after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Bola Tinubu’s letter seeking the confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The appointment, endorsed by the Council of State last week, follows the exit of Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Explaining the timeline for the amendment, Bamidele said the delay that prevented former President Muhammadu Buhari from signing the last version of the Electoral Bill in 2022 would not be repeated.

“Late President Buhari declined assent because the bill came too close to the elections and he didn’t want to be misunderstood. Between now and December 2025, we’ll ensure the amendment is concluded early enough for the 2027 polls,” he said.

Bamidele, who is also Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said the current review process enjoys broad support from key institutions, including the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Conference of Speakers.

He ruled out fears that the Presidency might frustrate the effort, adding that both arms of government are working in harmony.

“There won’t be resistance. We’re adopting global best practices, especially in domestication of international treaties,” he said.

Responding to opposition criticism, Bamidele said the ruling party remains focused on governance. “Our goal is rebuilding Nigeria, stabilising the polity and growing the economy. We won’t be distracted,” he stated.

He added that the 10th Senate’s agenda for its third legislative year includes the Electoral Act amendment, Constitution review, and other key reforms.

 

 

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