Kingibe Clarifies Electoral Reform Bill, Says Process Inclusive, and Intensive

In a statement issued on the ongoing work around the Electoral Reform Bill on Friday, Senator Kingibe said she has been actively involved in the reform process since 2024, describing it as intensive, inclusive, and reflective of Nigerians’ aspirations for credible elections.

According to her, throughout 2024 and 2025 the National Assembly conducted extensive public hearings and policy retreats through a joint committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The process, she noted, involved consistent participation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as civil society organizations that served as technical partners.

She explained that the outcome of these engagements was a comprehensive report built on three key pillars: the electronic transmission of election results with real-time upload to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV); formal recognition of three modes of party primaries, direct, indirect, and consensus within a regulated framework; and clearly defined election timelines designed to work efficiently for INEC, political actors, and the electorate.

When the report was presented to the Senate, an ad hoc committee was constituted to review it. Senator Kingibe stated that the committee’s recommendations largely aligned with the original report, adding that approximately 85 percent of Senators supported the electronic transmission of election results.

She expressed concern over media reports suggesting that the Senate had rejected these reforms or reverted to the 2022 Electoral Act.

Describing such claims as inaccurate, she clarified that while the 2022 Act used the term “transfer” of results, the committees specifically recommended that INEC shall electronically transmit results and upload them to IREV in real time, with the necessary amendments still pending.

Senator Kingibe further explained that the harmonization process between the Senate and the House of Representatives is yet to be completed. Although the bill has passed third reading, a correspondence committee has been constituted to align both chambers’ versions into a single final bill.

She emphasized that the reform process is driven by a genuine commitment to delivering transparent, credible, and acceptable elections, stressing that the final outcome must reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

Calling for civic engagement, the FCT Senator urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, to hold their representatives accountable, and to demand transparency throughout the process.

“We are your representatives. We are your voice,” she said. “And your will must shape the laws that govern you.”