By Atoyebi Nike
The Leader of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 will be concluded on or before December 2025 to ensure its use in the 2027 general elections.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, explained that the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari was unable to sign the final amendment due to the National Assembly’s late transmission of the bill to the presidency.
He gave the assurance shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requested the Senate to confirm Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his nomination and approval by the Council of State.
Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the 1999 Constitution Review Committee, said relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Conference of Speakers, are being actively engaged to ensure the constitution review succeeds.
He dismissed speculation that the presidency would resist the amendment process, adding that all public institutions are cooperating with the National Assembly to adopt global best practices, including the domestication of international treaties.
Responding to criticism from the opposition, Bamidele maintained that the 10th Senate remains focused on stabilising the polity and growing the economy. He outlined key legislative priorities for the third legislative year, including electoral reforms and constitutional review.
