The Senate has approved a key amendment to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, cutting the timeframe for the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue notices of election from 360 days to 180 days.
The decision was taken on Wednesday during clause-by-clause consideration of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. The change followed a proposal by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Tahir Monguno, who argued that the existing one-year notice requirement should be reduced to six months.
Lawmakers deliberated extensively on the bill, with the session lasting over four hours. Consideration began at about 2 p.m. and concluded at 6:26 p.m., reflecting the intensity of discussions surrounding the proposed electoral reforms.
The amendment bill was the sole item on the Senate’s Order Paper for the day, following a valedictory session in honour of the late former lawmaker, Okey Ezea. Sitting as the Committee of the Whole, senators examined all 155 clauses of the bill and subsequently adopted the committee’s report, leading to the passage of the legislation.
While the bill introduces changes to several provisions of the existing Electoral Act to align with evolving electoral realities, most clauses were retained without alteration.
The reduction in the election notice period is expected to provide INEC with greater operational flexibility while still allowing adequate preparation time for political parties, candidates and other stakeholders ahead of general elections. The move forms part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework in preparation for future polls.
