11/08/2025
Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 (HB.2479) Focuses on Local Election Integrity
NALTF
Bills
House of Representatives
Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 (HB.2479) Focuses on Local Election Integrity
by
Oscar Yakwen
HB.2479 The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Bill progress: First Reading.
The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2479), sponsored by Hon. Adebayo Oluwaseun Balogun, is currently gaining attention as Nigeria prepares for ongoing electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Balogun plays a vital role in guiding the legislative efforts aimed at improving the electoral process in the country.
It is crucial to clarify that “Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025” is a general designation, with multiple bills of similar names proposed in the Nigerian House of Representatives by various legislators. Therefore, identifying the specific bill number (HB.2479) and its sponsor is essential for grasping its content and implications.
The HB.2479 bill sets out to address key areas in Nigeria’s electoral framework, with several notable proposals aimed at enhancing the integrity and transparency of local elections. One of the primary objectives of the amendment is the establishment of Local Government Election Tribunals. This proposal aims to amend the Constitution to create specialized tribunals that would handle election petitions concerning the offices of Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen, and Councillors at the local government level. This initiative is significant as it seeks to formalize a judicial process for resolving disputes in local elections, which have historically been seen as a challenging area within Nigeria’s electoral system.
Additionally, the amendment bill focuses on enhancing electoral integrity and transparency. By streamlining the electoral dispute resolution process at the grassroots level, the legislation aims to establish a uniform standard for adjudication. The expected outcome is an increase in public trust towards local governance institutions, thereby fostering greater confidence in the electoral process.
Importantly, since the proposal involves creating tribunals through constitutional changes, the bill will necessitate a two-thirds majority approval in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Following this, it would require ratification from a majority of the State Houses of Assembly, making the passage a complex yet critical aspect of the legislative journey.
The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2479) is just one of several electoral reform measures being explored in Nigeria. Other proposed amendments introduced by various lawmakers and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) address several crucial aspects of the electoral process, including:
Implementation of early voting provisions for essential service providers and specific groups to facilitate greater electoral participation.
Creation of an Electoral Offences Commission and a Political Party Regulatory Agency to monitor electoral conduct and manage political party activities.
Revisions related to election timelines and the transmission of results for improved efficiency and transparency.
Allocation of special seats for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in a bid to enhance representation in governance.
The legislative process surrounding these electoral reforms is actively ongoing, with discussions and debates taking place in the National Assembly. The final content and passage of these bills will depend on the consensus reached among lawmakers and various stakeholders involved in the electoral process. As discussions unfold, the outcome of these proposed amendments could significantly shape the future of Nigeria’s electoral landscape and strengthen the democratic framework ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
