Senate expands electoral act amendment conference committee to 12

The Senate has increased the membership of its conference committee on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill from six to 12.

This was disclosed on Tuesday during the plenary session, shortly after the Senate rescinded Section 60 of the Electoral Act.

Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, explained that the expansion became necessary because the House of Representatives constituted a 12-member conference committee, making it imperative for the Senate to also increase the size of its delegation.

He noted that the Senate had earlier set up a nine-member committee but resolved to expand it to ensure parity and effective engagement during the harmonisation process.

Newly added members to the committee are Senators Isa Jibrin, Ipalibo Banigo, and Peter Nwaebonyi.

The Senate had, last Thursday, constituted the conference committee to harmonise its version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill with that passed by the House of Representatives.

The committee, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong, is expected to conclude its assignment within the month to allow for the transmission of the harmonised bill to the President for assent.

Other members of the committee are Senators Adamu Aliero, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Abbas, and Tokunbo Abiru.