The House of Representatives has justified the delay in the passage of the Electoral Amendment (Reform) Bill, saying the process is deliberate and aimed at producing a more credible and widely acceptable legal framework for Nigeria’s elections.
The Green Chamber explained that the ongoing consultations and harmonisation of views are necessary to ensure the final legislation adequately addresses shortcomings observed during the 2023 general election and ultimately strengthens the country’s democratic process.
The House spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, made this known at the weekend in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State, where he inaugurated several constituency projects, including newly constructed roads at Isaba and Oke-Ayedun, as well as a staff quarters at Odo-Oro High School, Odo-Oro.
Responding to growing public concerns over why the Electoral Reform Bill has not been fully passed by the National Assembly, Rotimi clarified that the House of Representatives had already concluded work on the bill before proceeding on its December recess. According to him, the delay is not from the House but from the ongoing legislative process in the Senate.
He stressed that the decision to allow sufficient time for thorough legislative work was in the best interest of the nation, noting that electoral laws must be carefully crafted to reflect lessons learned from previous elections.
Rotimi assured Nigerians that both chambers of the National Assembly remain committed to delivering an electoral reform law that enhances transparency, credibility and public confidence in the electoral system.
He urged citizens to be patient, adding that the ultimate goal of the reform process is to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure more credible elections in the future.
