Ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act will strengthen the electoral process, the Senate assures Nigerians yesterday.
The Red Chamber insisted that it will not disappoint the public despite prolonged closed-door deliberations on the bill.
Senators yesteday met for over four hours to deliberate on contentious provisions of the amendment bill, a development that has heightened public interest and speculation over the fate of the reforms.
Replying a question after the session, a ranking senator who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that the length of the meeting was not unusual, noting that critical national issues often require extensive engagement.
According to a source, the Senate is set to openly adopt the votes and proceedings on the bill, stressing that the process would be transparent and in line with democratic standards.
“Tomorrow, we are going to openly adopt the vote and proceedings. It is going to be open. It is as good as passed,” he said.
He clarified that the final decision would only become official after voting and adoption of plenary proceedings, adding that senators would still be given the opportunity to contribute before the proceedings are formally approved.
On key reforms, the lawmaker said the proposed amendments seek to reinforce the role of voters in determining electoral outcomes, rather than the courts.
“It is no longer about courts declaring candidates as winners. It is now the responsibility of the voters to make someone win,” he said.
He also said that the bill contains strict provisions against the submission of false or fake documentation by candidates, warning that any candidate found culpable would lose the slot, while the affected party would forfeit the right to present a replacement.
“They already had ample opportunity to ensure that credible candidates emerged,” he said.
The senator added that issues surrounding the transmission of election results were also addressed during deliberations.
He emphasised that the Senate’s position was informed by inputs from stakeholders and outcomes of public hearings conducted on the bill.
“What we have done arose from all the stakeholders and the public hearings that we held. The Senate has not deviated from that,” he said.
When contacted for comments, the Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu refused to give details.
He simply said despite speculations in the publication domain, the Senate would not disappoint Nigerians on the ongoing electoral reforms process.
Reaffirming the Senate’s commitment, Adaramodu declared: “The Senate will not disappoint Nigerians. Whatever Nigerians want, we will not disappoint them.”
The Senate is expected to conclude consideration of the bill and formally adopt its decisions at plenary following the closed session report today.
