From the desk of Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe:
As the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, and as a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, I consider it my duty to speak directly to Nigerians on the ongoing work surrounding the Electoral Reform Bill… an effort I have been actively involved in since 2024.
Over the course of 2024 and 2025, the National Assembly undertook an intensive and inclusive process to reform our electoral framework. This process included extensive public hearings and policy retreats conducted by a joint committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) participated consistently, alongside Civil Society Organizations that served as technical partners.
Through rigorous debate, consultation, and consensus building, we produced a comprehensive report that reflected the aspirations and expectations of Nigerians for a stronger and more credible electoral system.
The report was anchored on three clear and deliberate pillars:
•Electronic transmission of election results and real-time upload to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), to enhance transparency, credibility, and public confidence in elections.
•Recognition of three modes of party primaries which were direct, indirect, and consensus, providing political parties with flexibility within a clearly regulated framework.
•Clearly defined election timelines that work effectively for INEC, political actors, and the Nigerian people, ensuring orderly, transparent, and credible elections.
When this report was presented to the Senate, an ad hoc committee was constituted to review it. The committee’s recommendations were largely aligned with the original report. Notably, about 85% (percent) of Senators supported the electronic transmission of election results.
It is therefore concerning to see widespread reports suggesting that the Senate rejected these reforms or reverted to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act. This claim is inaccurate. While the 2022 Act used the term “transfer” of results, the committees after careful deliberation, we specifically recommended that commission SHALL electronically transmit results and upload to the IREV real time, these amendments are documented are still to be done.
At this stage, the harmonization process between the Senate and the House of Representatives is still to be done. A correspondence committee has been constitued to allign both versions into a single final bill.. Although the bill has passed third reading, the final harmonized version is yet to be concluded.
Let me emphasize that this reform process is driven by a genuine commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and delivering elections that are transparent, credible, and acceptable to the Nigerian people. The final outcome must reflect the will of the people.
I therefore urge all Nigerians to remain calm but actively engaged. Hold your representatives accountable. Reach out to your Senators and Members of the House of Representatives. Demand transparency. Insist that the final Electoral Reform Bill protects your votes and your democratic rights.
We are your representatives. We are your voice. And your will must shape the laws that govern you.
Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe
Senator, Federal Capital Territory
