BREAKING: Senate Reconstitutes Electoral Act Committee, Appoints Lalong Chairman

The Senate has reconstituted a 12-member Electoral Act Conference Committee to harmonise differences in the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, appointing Simon Bako Lalong as chairman.

Naija News reports that the committee is expected to interface with its counterpart in the House of Representatives to reconcile discrepancies in the amendment bill and produce a unified version for final legislative approval.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the members of the committee on Tuesday during an emergency plenary session.

The conference committee will review areas of divergence between the versions passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and resolve contentious clauses before presenting a harmonised document for adoption.

“After consultation with the leadership, we have moved the number from nine to 12. I will now read out the names of the conference committee members from the Senate,” Akpabio said on the floor of the Senate.

The members are:

1. Senator Simon Bako Lalong – Chairman

2. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno – Member

3. Senator Adamu Aliero – Member

4. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu – Member

5. Senator Abba Moro – Member

6. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong – Member

7. Senator Aminu Iya Abbas – Member

8. Senator Tokunbo Abiru – Member

9. Senator Niyi Adegbonmire (SAN) – Member

10. Senator Jibrin Isah – Member

11. Senator Ipalibo Banigo – Member

12. Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi – Member

He urged the committee to treat its assignment as urgent, expressing optimism that the process could be concluded swiftly.

“When you meet, you should recognise that this is a matter of urgency. I believe that if you are able to conclude within the next few days or one week, the President should be able to sign the amended Electoral Bill into law within the month of February,” he said.

The development is part of broader legislative efforts to refine Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of future elections, including the 2027 general polls.

Lawmakers expressed confidence that the harmonisation process would address grey areas in the bill and improve transparency, credibility and operational efficiency in the conduct of elections across the country.

The harmonised version, once agreed upon by both chambers, will be transmitted for final approval in line with legislative procedures. See more

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