THE Nigerian Senate has passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2025 for a second reading, marking another step in ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen the nation’s electoral framework.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, seeks to enhance the credibility of elections by transferring the burden of proof in election petition cases from the petitioner to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the passage during today’s plenary session following a voice vote in favor of the bill.
He emphasized the need for continued reforms to promote transparency and public trust in the electoral process.
Following its passage, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters for further consideration and a public hearing, with instructions to report back within two weeks.
The proposed legislation, which was initially presented last Thursday but stepped down for wider consultation, returned for debate on Wednesday. Lawmakers extensively discussed its principles, focusing on strengthening the legal and institutional framework governing Nigeria’s elections.
In his presentation, Senator Lalong acknowledged that the 2022 Electoral Act brought significant improvements but noted ongoing challenges such as delayed release of election funds, disputes over voter registers, inconsistent interpretations of result transmission, and weak enforcement of electoral offences.
He explained that the amendment aims to reinforce INEC’s independence by shielding it from political influence and government control.
During deliberations, several senators argued that requiring petitioners to prove election irregularities places an unfair burden on them.
They maintained that INEC, as the body conducting elections, should demonstrate that elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.
Lawmakers also highlighted the need for increased funding and the adoption of advanced technology by INEC to counter threats posed by political interference and strengthen democratic institutions.
Senate President Akpabio commended the gradual progress in Nigeria’s electoral process since 2015, remarking that while improvements have been recorded, “we are not yet there.” He reiterated his call for continued reforms to uphold electoral integrity and public confidence.