The Senate on Wednesday rejected proposals for the electronic transmission of election results in real time and a 10-year ban on vote buyers and other electoral offenders, as it amended key provisions of the Electoral Act during clause-by-clause consideration.
The Senate rather retained the old provision of electronic transfer as provided under the 2022 Electoral Act, a distinction lawmakers said was necessary to avoid legal and operational ambiguities.
Lawmakers voted to expunge a clause recommending a decade-long disqualification from contesting elections for individuals found guilty of vote buying and related offences, arguing that the punishment was disproportionately excessive .
The provision was part of amendments proposed by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, which had recommended that “with respect to vote buying, the sanctions shall range from a fine of ₦5 million to a two-year imprisonment and a 10-year ban from contesting elections.”
Raising objections, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong said the proposed ban was “too grievous” and disproportionate to the offence.
He was supported by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Senate President, who argued that while vote buying must be punished, the sanctions should be reasonable and enforceable.
Consequently, the Senate agreed that offenders should face a fine of ₦5 million or a term of two years’ imprisonment, without the additional 10-year ban from electoral participation.
The Senate also approved a reduction in the timeline for the conduct of elections, resolving that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should issue notice of elections at least 180 days before polling day, instead of the 360 days stipulated in the existing law.
In the same vein, the Senate approved that the nomination of candidates should close 90 days before the election.
Lawmakers further retained the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation, while affirming the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the sole means of voter identification at polling units.
The amendments form part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future general elections.
