Reps Pass Key Bills to Overhaul Elections, Police Funding for Third Reading

By Ifeyinwa Ike

The House of Representatives has passed three pivotal bills for third reading to reform Nigeria’s electoral system and revamp police funding.

Sponsored by Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the measures include: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2026 to Provide for Jurisdiction for Pre-Election Matters and for Related Matters (HB.2760).

The passage marks a step toward streamlined pre-election disputes and restructured police finances.

the “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2026 to Provide for Flexible, Reliable and Technology-Driven Modes for Service of Election Petition Processes and for Related Matters (HB.2761)”,

And the “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, No. 6, 2019 and Enact the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2026…” (HB.2755).

One of the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act provides for clearer jurisdiction in pre-election matters, intended to reduce disputes over court authority and streamline electoral litigation.

Another bill introduces flexible, reliable and technology-driven methods for serving election petition processes, with proponents arguing it will modernize electoral dispute resolution and improve efficiency.

The third legislation repeals the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, 2019 and replaces it with a new framework to strengthen funding for training, equipment, and welfare of personnel in the Nigeria Police Force.

The bill also stresses police accountability and better service delivery.

The three bills now head to the Senate for concurrence before presidential assent.