Talks to harmonise the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026 don hit brick wall as members of the National Assembly fail to agree, raising fresh uncertainty over key electoral reforms and the 2027 general elections timetable.
Sources confirm say the much-awaited meeting of the Conference Committee no hold on Monday, even as both Senate and House of Representatives prepare for Tuesday plenary where “very critical decisions” go happen.
The meeting, wey suppose start 11:00am for Senate President Conference Room, no hold because some members of the House of Representatives no show face. Some senators wey reach venue wait for long before dem move go office of the committee chairman.
Later dem agree reschedule the meeting for 3:00pm, but by 3:30pm, only senators dey present, while House members still no appear. Even when committee chairmen later come, no agreement come out, and dem disperse after short closed-door meeting.
Sources talk say dem still fit hold emergency night meeting outside National Assembly just to see if dem fit align position before Tuesday plenary.
Electronic Result Transmission Still Be Major Wahala
The conference committee get assignment to settle differences inside the bill, especially Clause 60(3) wey concern electronic transmission of election results.
The House version insist say results must transmit real-time from polling units straight to INEC IReV portal. But Senate remove “real-time” from the clause, giving room for flexibility instead of strict enforcement.
Both chambers don already set up 12-member committees, with Senate committee chaired by Simon Bako Lalong, under appointment of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
NASS Fit Move 2027 Election to January
As Electoral Act talks stall, another hot issue wey lawmakers wan tackle for Tuesday plenary na possible adjustment of the 2027 election timetable released by Independent National Electoral Commission.
Lawmakers dey consider shifting the general elections from February 2027 to January 2027 to avoid clash with Ramadan and Eid celebrations.
One senator wey no wan make name talk say shifting the election date go help prevent religious tension and low voter turnout.
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) don earlier criticize INEC timetable, warn say fixing election during major religious celebration fit discourage voters and create avoidable tension.
All Eyes Dey on Tuesday Plenary
Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, don earlier announce say plenary go focus on “very crucial national issues,” increasing speculation say lawmakers go revisit both the Electoral Act harmonisation report and 2027 election timetable.
As pressure dey mount and harmonisation committee never conclude work, Nigerians dey watch as NASS must decide whether to insist on real-time electronic transmission of results and whether to shift election dates to respect religious sensitivities.
For now, Monday failed meeting don only add more suspense to one of the most politically charged legislative battles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
