By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
Abuja
The Senate has approved the amended Electoral Act, paving the way for the conduct of federal, state, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Senate President, read the amended bill presented by Senator Simon Lalong-led Committee on Electoral Matters.
The amended bill includes clauses 22 to 27, 28 to 29, 30 to 31, 32 as amended, 33 to 42, 43 to 46, 47 as amended, 48 to 59, 60 as amended, 61, 62 as amended, 63 to 76, 77 as amended, 78 to 85, 86 as amended, and 87 to 141, among others.
The Senate also approved the interpretation clause, short title, and schedules.
Senator Akpabio commended the members of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for their work on the bill.
He also thanked the senators for their contributions and interest in the Electoral Act, noting that the chamber was still full despite it being 7pm.
The Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, expressed gratitude to the Senate President and members of the committee for their work on the bill.
The Senate has set up a conference committee to harmonize the bill with the version passed by the House of Representatives.
The conference committee is chaired by Senator Mohammed Monguno, includes members from the six geopolitical zones.
The Senate will now adjourn plenaries to enable members attend to the 2026 budget.
The Chairman of the Appropriation Committee will make available the timetable for the budget defense.
Senator Akpabio clarified that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission of results, but rather returned the previous provision.
He emphasized that electronic transmission of results is in the interest of the Senate and its members.
The Senate President thanked the press for covering the exercise and urged Nigerians to be patient as the conference committee works to harmonize the bill.
The harmonized bill will be presented to the President for signature, after which the procurement process will commence.
The Senate will reconvene to consider the report of the conference committee.
