NASS not delaying passage of New Electoral Act — Reps Deputy Speaker * Reveals name of proposed equalisation state for S’East

NASS not delaying passage of New Electoral Act — Reps Deputy Speaker

* Reveals name of proposed equalisation state for S’East

By Steve Oko

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has dismissed claims that the National Assembly is delaying or has abandoned the passage of the New Electoral Act, assuring Nigerians that the Bill will receive expedited attention once lawmakers resume from the Christmas and New Year recess.

Kalu also revealed that the proposed Anim State is currently the most favoured among several new state proposals aimed at addressing the imbalance in the number of states across geopolitical zones, particularly in the South-East.

Speaking during a press conference at his country home in Bende, Abia State, on Friday, the Deputy Speaker disclosed that some Igbo-speaking communities in Delta State are lobbying for inclusion in the proposed state.

On the Electoral Act, Kalu explained that both chambers of the National Assembly would harmonise their respective versions of the Bill upon resumption, paving the way for its passage into law ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged Nigerians to be patient, stressing that the delay being perceived by some quarters was unfounded.

“It is not true that the Parliament, especially the House of Representatives, is delaying the passage of the Bill. One of the last assignments I carried out as Chairman of the Committee of the Whole before the recess was on the Electoral Act. We did not proceed on holiday until the issue was properly tabled,” he said.

According to him, the House has substantially completed its work on the Bill, with only minor adjustments expected in some sections.

“There may be slight amendments, possibly in Sections 25 or 31. We expect the Senate to also resolve outstanding issues on its version so that when we meet for concurrence, we can close the gaps and produce a final document. A lot of work has already been done, and it will be concluded shortly after we resume.”

Kalu acknowledged the growing public interest in the Bill, noting that citizens have the right to demand accountability from their lawmakers.

“We are approaching an election season, and it is right for Nigerians to push us to act with speed so we are not constrained by time. Whether the concerns come from a former Vice-President or ordinary citizens, they are entitled to express their views. The National Assembly remains the People’s Parliament, and every genuine complaint will be given due attention.”

On the issue of state equalisation for the South-East, Kalu, who also serves as the National Assembly co-Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, said the committee had positively considered his appeal for the creation of an additional state in the region to correct long-standing imbalances.

He noted that over 15 state creation proposals were submitted nationwide, clarifying that these were proposals and not approvals by the legislature.

“Something significant happened during one of our joint Senate–House retreats in Lagos. I made a passionate case for equity, fairness, and national cohesion, pointing out that while some geopolitical zones have six or seven states, the South-East has only five. That imbalance undermines the unity we preach as a nation.”

Kalu said his appeal received overwhelming support from lawmakers across all regions of the country.

“To their credit, legislators from the North, South-West, and South-South agreed that the case was strong. A motion to adopt the recommendation for one additional state for the South-East was moved by a senator from the North and seconded by a member from the South-West. The motion was carried.”

Following the decision, he said committees from both chambers were mandated to fine-tune the proposal, eventually narrowing it down to Anim State.

However, Kalu disclosed ongoing lobbying by Igbo communities in the South-South, particularly in Delta State, proposing an expanded Animoma State to accommodate Igbos east and west of the Niger.

“That conversation is ongoing, and it is one of the issues we will address when we resume. What is clear, however, is the deliberate effort to ensure the South-East gets one additional state.”

He cautioned that the success of the proposal depends largely on unity among Igbo stakeholders.

“If the Igbos truly want one extra state, all stakeholders must work together. Disunity will weaken the case. Even if Parliament does its part, the President will only assent when there is clear unity of purpose. If we fail, the Parliament should not be blamed.”

South East is the only geo-political zone with five states while other five zones have six states respectively except North West with the highest number of seven states.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 2005 Constitutional Conference as well as ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2014 confab, all recommended the creation of additional/parity state for the South East but both the conveners and subsequent administrations have failed to implement the recommendation.