By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed confidence that the amended Electoral Act will strengthen the country’s democratic process, assuring citizens that the reforms are designed to guarantee transparency and ensure that every vote truly counts.
Speaking during a plenary session at the Nigerian Senate in Abuja, Akpabio said the revised law represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s electoral history, noting that it addresses long-standing challenges such as vote manipulation, delayed results and weak enforcement mechanisms.
According to him, the amendments will enhance the credibility of elections by empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with clearer legal backing, while also promoting the use of technology to improve voter accreditation and result transmission.
“The essence of democracy is that the people’s will must prevail,” Akpabio said. “With this amended Electoral Act, Nigerians can be assured that their votes will matter and that the system is being strengthened to reflect their choices.”
He added that the National Assembly had worked across party lines to produce legislation that places national interest above politics, stressing that the reforms were aimed at restoring public trust in the electoral process and discouraging electoral malpractice.
Political analysts believe the updated law could help curb irregularities that have historically plagued elections, provided it is fully implemented and enforced ahead of future polls.
Akpabio urged citizens to actively participate in upcoming elections, describing voter engagement as essential to consolidating democracy and holding leaders accountable.
The amended Electoral Act is widely seen as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s ongoing electoral reforms, with stakeholders hopeful it will pave the way for more credible, peaceful and transparent elections nationwide.
