***Affirms that the reforms will shape 2027 polls
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Tuesday disclosed that the National Assembly aims to conclude the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 by December 2025 — well ahead of the 2027 general elections — to avoid the last-minute delays that hindered previous reforms.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, made this known shortly after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s letter seeking the confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said the legislature was determined to address all identified gaps in the 2022 Electoral Act to ensure that future elections are conducted under a clearer, stronger, and more credible legal framework.
“The only reason former President Muhammadu Buhari could not sign the final amendment to the Electoral Bill was because it arrived too close to the 2023 elections,” Bamidele explained.
“This time, we will conclude the process on or before December 2025, so the amended law can guide the 2027 polls.”
The Senate Leader stressed that the 10th National Assembly had drawn lessons from past experiences and was determined to act early to forestall any last-minute controversies.
Speaking on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, Bamidele — who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee — expressed optimism that the current effort would succeed, citing enhanced coordination between the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures.
“All relevant institutions are now working in synergy. I don’t foresee any resistance from the Presidency or any other quarter. Our focus is on delivering a people-driven constitution that meets global democratic standards,” he said.
Bamidele also dismissed opposition criticism of the administration’s performance, maintaining that the ruling party remained focused on governance, stability, and economic recovery.
“No matter how well a government performs, the opposition will never acknowledge it. But our focus remains on rebuilding Nigeria and strengthening democracy. We will not be distracted,” he said.
As the 10th Senate enters its third legislative year, Bamidele noted that lawmakers would prioritise key reforms — including the Electoral Act amendment, constitutional review, and other governance-focused interventions — to deepen democratic institutions and pave the way for credible elections in 2027.
“This Senate has a full agenda — from electoral reform to constitutional review and governance restructuring. We are committed to leaving behind a legacy of credible institutions and lasting democratic progress,” he affirmed.
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