The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has revealed that the National Assembly is working towards completing the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 by December 2025, well ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, made the disclosure in a statement issued Tuesday.
The announcement followed the Senate’s receipt of President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new INEC Chairman, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
According to the Senate Leader’s media office, Professor Amupitan’s nomination, a legal scholar and senior advocate, was unanimously approved by the Council of State last week before being forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
Senator Bamidele emphasized that the timeline is designed to avoid the legislative delays that marred previous electoral reforms. Reflecting on the 2022 amendment process, he noted:
“The last administration failed to sign the final version of the bill in 2022 because it was transmitted too close to the elections.”
“Although initial proposals were approved, amendments aimed at restoring the rights of statutory delegates came late, and former President Buhari hesitated to act so close to election time.”
He assured Nigerians that the current amendment process would be concluded in time to prevent any similar issues:
“We are determined to wrap up the process by December 2025, giving enough time before the 2027 elections.”
Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the constitutional amendment process is progressing smoothly.
He highlighted ongoing engagements with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, as essential to achieving meaningful reform.
“I do not foresee resistance. The institutions are cooperating with us. This review will also reflect global best practices, especially regarding the implementation of international treaties.”
Responding to recent criticisms from opposition parties, Bamidele dismissed them as part of the democratic process:
“Regardless of government performance, the opposition will always find faults, it’s part of politics. They are strategising for a return to power, and discrediting the ruling party is part of that plan.”
Despite the political noise, he stressed that the 10th National Assembly remains focused on its legislative goals.
“Our third legislative year will prioritize issues of national importance, including the Electoral Act amendment and constitutional review, as we continue to stabilise governance and grow the economy.”
