Senate Begins Consideration Of Electoral Bill

The Senate has commenced consideration of the report of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2026 pending before it.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio is presiding over the session.

The Senate has so far approved clauses 1-22.

The Senate has come under pressure to pass the Electoral Act Bill to guide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the elections.

On Tuesday, the Senate adjourned plenary session to Wednesday after a closed door session lasting over four hours without making public the outcome of their deliberations.

Among the items listed on the Senate Order Paper for the day include the consideration of the Report of the Committee on Electoral Matters on Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2026 (SB. 903) standing the name of the committee’s chairman, Simon Bako Lalong.

However, upon returning to plenary after its long closed door session, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who didn’t give any details on the outcome of their session, simply said the lawmakers at the session, deliberated on matters that concern the “Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general.”

He went on to call for a motion for adjournment to the next legislative day (Wednesday).

“The Senate in a closed session deliberated on matters relevant to the workings of the Senate, in particular, and the National Assembly in general.

“Is this a true reflection of what transpired in the closed session?”, he asked with lawmakers affirming.

Thereafter, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele rose to move a motion for suspension of other items on the Order Paper and adjournment.

He said, “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise to move for the suspension of other items on the order paper to enable the President adjourn this Senate till tomorrow.”

The Minority Leader, Abba Moro seconded, saying, “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I so second the motion that the Senate suspends all other items on the Order Paper and adjourn till tomorrow. Thank you.”