The National Assembly has reaffirmed its resolve to deliver a far-reaching Electoral Reform Bill aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
The assurance was given by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi, who disclosed that lawmakers are currently harmonising inputs from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the passage of a comprehensive and effective reform framework.
Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, spoke on Saturday in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State during the inauguration of three constituency projects.
The projects include two newly completed roads in Isaba and Oke-Ayedun communities, as well as a staff quarters at Odo-Oro High School, Odo-Oro Ekiti.
According to him, constituency projects remain a deliberate legislative intervention designed to reflect the priorities and expressed needs of constituents.
“These projects were executed based on the expressed needs of my constituents. Members of the House of Representatives are deliberate about constituency projects by giving constituents the opportunity to articulate their priorities,” Rotimi said.
Addressing public concerns over the perceived delay in passing the Electoral Reform Bill, the lawmaker insisted that electoral reforms remain a top priority for both lawmakers and Nigerians at large.
He explained that the proposed reforms are intended to guarantee free, fair and credible elections, ensure that votes count, and address systemic weaknesses exposed during the 2023 general elections.
“The Electoral Reform Bill before the National Assembly is targeted at improving the transparency, credibility and efficiency of our democratic system. It also addresses shortcomings identified during the 2023 elections,” Rotimi stated.
He added that the process has been exhaustive and inclusive, involving consultations with community leaders, civil society organisations and other key interest groups through retreats and committee engagements.
“The House of Representatives passed the bill before proceeding on recess in December. The Senate has since commenced work on it. At this stage, we are harmonising a few grey areas, and the process will be concluded very soon,” he said.
Rotimi stressed that credible elections are the bedrock of democratic governance, noting that Nigerians must be assured of their right to freely choose their leaders at all levels.
“Nigerians must be able to vote freely, and their votes must count. That principle is fundamental to democracy,” he added.
Highlighting his legislative contributions, the lawmaker disclosed that he has sponsored over 40 bills, including proposals on independent candidacy, whistle-blower protection and the prevention of sexual harassment in educational institutions.
He also urged Nigerians to sustain their support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that public backing is essential for the effective delivery of government policies.
Meanwhile, calls for the speedy passage of the Electoral Reform Bill have intensified. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently warned that further delays could undermine preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the ruling party-led Senate of slowing down the process, cautioning that prolonged delays could weaken efforts to curb electoral malpractice and erode confidence in future elections.