The Senate has set up a new 12-member Conference Committee to resolve outstanding differences in the proposed amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, naming Senator Simon Bako Lalong as chairman of the panel.
The committee will engage with a corresponding team from the House of Representatives to harmonise conflicting provisions in the amendment bill and produce a single, unified version for final passage by the National Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the constitution of the committee on Tuesday during an emergency plenary session.
He explained that the membership was expanded from nine to twelve after consultations with Senate leadership, in order to strengthen the reconciliation process.
Primary Responsibility
According to Akpabio, the panel’s primary responsibility is to examine areas where the versions of the bill passed by both chambers differ, resolve disputed clauses, and submit a harmonised document for adoption.
The Senate Conference Committee is made up of the following lawmakers:
1. Senator Simon Bako Lalong (Chairman)
2. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno
3. Senator Adamu Aliero
4. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu
5. Senator Abba Moro
6. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
7. Senator Aminu Iya Abbas
8. Senator Tokunbo Abiru
9. Senator Niyi Adegbonmire (SAN)
10. Senator Jibrin Isah
11. Senator Ipalibo Banigo
12. Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi
Emphasising the urgency of the task, Akpabio urged committee members to work swiftly, expressing confidence that the process could be completed within days.
“This assignment is time-sensitive. If the committee concludes its work within a week, there is a strong possibility that the President will assent to the amended Electoral Act before the end of February,” he told lawmakers.
2027 Election
The move forms part of ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future elections, particularly the 2027 general polls. Lawmakers believe the harmonisation exercise will eliminate ambiguities in the bill while enhancing transparency, credibility, and efficiency in the electoral process.
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Once the Senate and House of Representatives agree on a final version, the harmonised bill will be transmitted for approval in accordance with legislative procedures, paving the way for presidential assent.