The House of Representatives has defended the delay in the passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill, saying the process is aimed at harmonising diverse views to produce a credible and acceptable legal framework.

The spokesman of the House, Mr Akintunde Rotimi, said the delay was necessary to ensure that the final document effectively addresses gaps identified during the 2023 general elections and strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process.

Rotimi spoke over the weekend in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State while commissioning road projects at Isaba and Oke-Ayedun, as well as a staff quarters at Odo-Oro High School, Odo-Oro.

Responding to concerns by Nigerians over why the electoral reform bill is yet to be fully passed by the National Assembly, the lawmaker explained that while the House of Representatives had already passed the bill before its December recess, the Senate was still working on it.

He said, The Electoral Reform Bill before the National Assembly is targeted at improving the transparency, credibility, and efficiency of our democratic system, while also addressing the shortcomings exposed during the 2023 general elections.

“The reforms are all-encompassing and are products of extensive feedback from stakeholders. The Joint House and Senate Committees on Electoral Reforms have met several times. We have held retreats and consultations with community leaders, civil society organisations, and other interest groups.

“The reforms are all-encompassing and are a product of extensive consultations and feedback from stakeholders. The Joint House and Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms has held several meetings and retreats involving communities and organisations. We are at the harmonisation stage, and that will be concluded very quickly.”

Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency (Ikole/Oye), noted that the Electoral Amendment Bill 2026 is aimed at improving transparency, credibility, and efficiency in the electoral system, stressing that credible elections remain the foundation of democracy.

The federal lawmaker added that the reforms would guarantee that Nigerians can vote freely and have confidence that their votes would count.

Highlighting his legislative achievements, Rotimi revealed that he had sponsored over 40 bills, including the bill to prevent and redress sexual harassment in educational institutions, the Independent Candidacy Bill, and the Whistleblowers’ Bill.

Speaking on the commissioned projects, Rotimi said they were executed based on demands from constituents, stressing that members of the House of Representatives were deliberate in ensuring that constituency projects reflected the needs of the people.

He also urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying such support would enable the government to deliver more on its promises. (The Nation)