Nigeria’s push to update its electoral framework gained momentum as the House of Representatives inaugurated a bipartisan committee to bridge gaps in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed separately by both chambers of the National Assembly.
The decision, announced by House spokesperson Akin Rotimi, followed a directive from the leadership of the green chamber and was conveyed through an internal memo issued by the Clerk to the House, Yahaya Danzaria. Hence, lawmakers are moving to fast-track consensus on contentious provisions of the bill.
The House delegation is led by Adebayo Balogun, chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, alongside Fred Agbedi, Sada Soli, Ahmadu Jaha, Iduma Igariwey Enwo, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, and Zainab Gimba.
The composition, according to insiders, reflects an effort to balance experience, regional spread, and party interests.
Explaining the task ahead, a ranking lawmaker familiar with the process said the committee would work closely with its Senate counterpart to iron out areas of disagreement and produce a single, harmonised draft.
“This is about aligning positions so the country can have a clearer and more credible electoral law,” the lawmaker said.
Furthermore, the House reiterated its stance that electoral reforms remain critical to strengthening transparency, improving election administration, and restoring public trust in democratic outcomes.
On the Senate side, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio had earlier named members of its own conference committee.
The Senate team is chaired by Simon Bako Lalong and includes Niyi Adegbonmire, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Abbas, and Tokunbo Abiru.
With both chambers now formally represented, observers say the harmonisation process could determine how quickly the amended Electoral Act returns for final approval, setting the tone for future elections in the country.