The Nigerian Senate has introduced new measures to increase penalties for vote buying and other election-related offences ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The proposals are part of the Electoral Bill 2025, which is currently under review by the National Assembly.
Under the bill, anyone caught engaging in vote buying could face a fine of up to N5 million, a prison term of up to two years, and a ten-year ban from running for public office.
Other electoral violations, including result manipulation and interference with election officials, may also lead to mandatory jail sentences and higher fines.
The legislation proposes the use of electronic voter identification, including voter cards with unique QR codes, to improve transparency.
It also requires that presiding officers submit polling unit results electronically, along with the total number of accredited voters.
The bill seeks to standardize the selection of delegates for indirect primaries to prevent party leaders from unilaterally choosing participants.
Committees from both chambers overseeing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are expected to submit detailed reports for review soon.
Senate leaders say the reforms aim to ensure free, fair, and secure elections beginning with the 2027 polls.
Lawmakers will also focus on reviewing the 2026 budget presented by President Bola Tinubu in December 2025.
The budget is designed to strengthen economic stability, create jobs, and improve living standards.
Additionally, the 2025 tax reform act is expected to ease the burden on low-income earners while requiring greater contributions from higher earners, creating more funds to support the budget.
The Senate is also advancing the review of the 1999 Constitution, with technical sessions and public hearings completed.
The next step will involve approval from at least two-thirds of state assemblies, as required by law.
Lawmakers said their key goals remain good governance, security, and the welfare of citizens.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!