The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Heebah Kingibe, has said reports suggesting that the Senate rejected key reforms in the ongoing Electoral Reform Bill are inaccurate, stressing that lawmakers remain committed to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
Kingibe, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, said she decided to address Nigerians directly in view of the growing public debate surrounding the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act.
She explained that the National Assembly carried out an extensive reform process throughout 2024 and 2025, involving public hearings and policy retreats organised by a joint committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to her, the Independent National Electoral Commission and several civil society organisations also participated in the exercise as technical partners.
She said the consultations and deliberations culminated in a comprehensive report aimed at addressing public expectations for a more credible and transparent electoral system.
The senator said the recommendations of the joint committee were built on three major pillars.
She said, “Electronic transmission of election results and real-time upload to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), to enhance transparency, credibility, and public confidence in elections.
“Recognition of three modes of party primaries, which were direct, indirect, and consensus, provides political parties with flexibility within a clearly regulated framework.
“Clearly defined election timelines that work effectively for INEC, political actors, and the Nigerian people, ensuring orderly, transparent, and credible elections.”
Kingibe said that when the report was presented to the Senate, an ad hoc committee was set up to review it, noting that the panel’s recommendations were largely consistent with the original submissions.
She added that about 85 per cent of senators supported the electronic transmission of election results.
The lawmaker expressed concern over widespread claims that the Senate had jettisoned the proposed reforms or reverted to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.
She said, “It is therefore concerning to see widespread reports suggesting that the Senate rejected these reforms or reverted to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act. This claim is inaccurate.
“While the 2022 Act used the term ‘transfer’ of results, the committees after careful deliberation, we specifically recommended that commission SHALL electronically transmit results and upload to the IREV real time, these amendments are documented are still to be done.”
Kingibe noted that the legislative process had not been concluded, explaining that the harmonisation of the versions passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives was still ongoing.
She said a correspondence committee had been constituted to align both versions of the bill into a single final document.
“At this stage, the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives is still to be done. A correspondence committee has been constituted to align both versions into a single final bill.
“Although the bill has passed third reading, the final harmonised version is yet to be concluded,” she said.
The senator said the entire reform process was driven by the desire to deepen democracy and ensure elections that are transparent, credible and acceptable to Nigerians.
She urged citizens to remain calm while actively engaging their elected representatives.
She said, “I therefore urge all Nigerians to remain calm but actively engaged. Hold your representatives accountable. Reach out to your Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. Demand transparency. Insist that the final Electoral Reform Bill protects your votes and your democratic rights.
“We are your representatives. We are your voice. And your will must shape the laws that govern you.”
