In a significant development for Nigeria's electoral framework, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has provided a clear timeline for the enactment of the amended Electoral Act. During an emergency plenary session held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Akpabio disclosed that President Bola Tinubu is anticipated to sign the revised legislation into law within the month of February 2026.
Urgent Harmonization Process Underway
The announcement came as federal lawmakers constituted a 12-member committee tasked with harmonizing the Senate's version of the bill with that passed by the House of Representatives. This move follows considerable public and political backlash triggered by certain controversial amendments to the existing Electoral Act.
Addressing the assembled legislators, Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating: "I believe that if you are able to conclude within this, in the next few days or one week, the president should be able to sign this amended Electoral Bill into an Act of Parliament within this month of February. So I wish you a worthy deliberation with your colleagues."
Committee Mandate and Expanded Representation
The Senate President instructed the newly formed conference committee to treat their assignment with utmost priority, recognizing it as a "matter of urgency." He further explained that the committee's expansion resulted from extensive consultations with legislative leadership and aims to ensure alignment with the House of Representatives.
Akpabio clarified the committee's primary objective: "The conference committee, when you meet, you should recognise that this is a matter of urgency." This directive underscores the National Assembly's commitment to resolving discrepancies between the two chambers' versions promptly.
Reversal on Electronic Transmission Controversy
The emergency session and subsequent committee formation occurred against a backdrop of intense debate over electoral reforms. Notably, the Senate recently faced criticism for rejecting proposals mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results as outlined in Clause 60 (3) of the bill.
Opposition figures and civil society groups had vehemently protested this decision, arguing it could undermine democratic integrity. Demonstrations were staged at the National Assembly complex, highlighting public concern over the issue.
In a notable reversal on February 10, the Senate approved electronic transmission of results, though omitting the "real-time" requirement. The revised provision now stipulates that Form EC8A will serve as the primary collation instrument should internet connectivity fail during elections.
Background and Legislative Context
The amended Electoral Bill represents a crucial piece of legislation aimed at refining Nigeria's electoral processes. The National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF) has documented Akpabio's statements, reflecting the historical significance of this legislative effort.
This development follows the Senate's earlier retention of the 2022 Act provision granting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) authority to determine transmission modes. The current amendments seek to balance technological integration with practical electoral administration realities.
As the harmonization committee commences its work, political observers anticipate that the finalized bill will address both technical considerations and public expectations for transparent, credible elections in Nigeria's democratic journey.
