Senator Lalong presides over joint National Assembly retreat on electoral amendment

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The National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters has continued its engagement towards fine-tuning the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act with a one-day retreat held in Abuja.

Declaring the retreat open, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, said the session was convened to harmonise proposals for the amendment of the Act before final consideration by both Chambers of the National Assembly.

Senator Lalong said the retreat represents “a crucial step in our collective commitment to strengthening the electoral process, ensuring transparency, credibility and the sustenance of democratic ideals.”

He explained that during the retreat, each section and subsection of the proposed Electoral Bill 2025 would be examined in detail to address current realities and anticipate future challenges.

The Senator urged his colleagues to remain guided by the overarching goal of ensuring that Nigeria’s electoral process is free from manipulation, fraud, and undue influence.

He also commended the technical partners, legal experts, and electoral stakeholders for their sustained support and commitment to a reform process that is dear to the hearts of Nigerians.

Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, noted that the Committee is working diligently to meet the expectations of Nigerians who are eagerly anticipating the passage of a new Electoral Act in 2025.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan participated at the technical session of the retreat where he made suggestions on issues from the Commission’s perspective.

The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) Clement Nwankwo also commended the Joint Committee for the seriousness with which it is handling the amendment process, describing it as timely and in line with national expectations.