The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Electoral Reform Committee, Monday Ubani, SAN, has disclosed that there is a strong sense of urgency within the National Assembly to pass a new electoral law ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.
Ubani made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television and monitored by DAILY POST.
According to him, both the Senate and the House of Representatives are committed to ensuring that the proposed electoral bill is passed in good time, providing a fresh legal framework for the conduct of future elections.
“There has always been a sense of urgency. I have personally interacted with the chairmen of the electoral committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and they have all expressed readiness to see this bill passed so that the next election can be conducted under a new legal framework,” Ubani said.
He noted that once the lawmakers resume plenary in January, harmonising the positions of both chambers on the bill would be a top priority, after which it would be forwarded to the President for assent.
“When they resume this January, one of the key bills the Senate should consider is the harmonisation of the positions of the House of Representatives, so it can be transmitted to the President for assent,” he added.
Ubani further revealed that the proposed law addresses critical issues around timelines, not only for leadership matters but also for election petitions and disputes.
“Timeline is a major consideration. It affects leadership issues and even the period allowed for challenging election results. Some of the days within which you can challenge elections have been reduced. So, timeline is clearly being addressed,” he explained.
The proposed electoral reform is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process by improving efficiency, reducing delays in election-related litigation, and ensuring clearer legal guidelines for future polls.
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