Senate Sets Agenda on Constitution Review, Electoral Act Reforms, 2026 Budget

Once the Senate fully resumes after the Yuletide recess, it will prioritize the Constitution Review Bills, amendments to the Electoral Act, and the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

Although the Red Chamber is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, January 27, plenary proceedings are expected to be briefly suspended in honour of the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died during the recess.

Sources who spoke with The Nation Newspaper said the Senate will adjourn shortly after its initial sitting and commence substantive legislative business on the next legislative day.

Ranking lawmakers told The Nation Newspaper that three major national issues will dominate the Senate’s agenda on resumption: the report of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, and the consideration and passage of the 2026 Budget.

A senior legislator, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Constitution Review report, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, is ready for presentation, consideration, and passage.

“Yes, it was supposed to be presented and considered before the recess, but because of the budget presentation, it was stepped down,” the source said.

He explained that upon resumption, the Deputy Senate President will formally lay the report before the Senate.

“After that, the bills will be taken clause by clause and passed, subject to the required constitutional majority,” the lawmaker added.

Electoral Act Amendment Urgent Ahead Of 2027

Another top priority for the Senate is the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act, a move lawmakers say is critical ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The urgency is driven by a legal requirement that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must issue its Notice of Election and timetable at least 360 days before polling.

With timelines for political party primaries fast approaching, the Senate is under pressure to conclude work on the amendment bill without delay.

The House of Representatives has already passed its version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had earlier assured Nigerians that all necessary amendments to the Electoral Act would be concluded in good time for the 2027 elections.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Constitutional Matters, Dr Monday Ubani (SAN), Akpabio said the Senate would take up the Bill immediately upon resumption.

“The timeline is critical, considering the legal requirement for INEC to issue a notice of election at least one year before the polling day,” Ubani said in an interview with the AdvoKC Foundation, a civil society organisation.

He expressed confidence that the legislative process would be completed swiftly, with presidential assent expected by the first week of February.

“Once the Senate resumes, it will certainly pass the Bill,” he added.

In addition to electoral and constitutional reforms, lawmakers say the Senate will intensify work on the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

Committee‑level scrutiny, harmonisation of reports, and final passage are expected to be key features of the legislative calendar in the coming weeks to ensure the timely implementation of the fiscal plan.