RismadarVoice Reporters
October 30, 2026
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed a bill seeking to amend the law establishing the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), as part of efforts to strengthen the legal framework governing local government elections in the state.
The bill was passed following the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the House Committee on Inter-Governmental, Political and Special Matters during plenary in Uyo.
Presenting the committee’s findings, its chairman, Hon. Emem Udom, said the proposed amendments were designed to align the state’s electoral legislation with the Electoral Act 2026 and address identified gaps in the existing law.
Udom explained that stakeholders consulted during the legislative process had made submissions on the proposed reforms, with the committee recommending amendments to relevant provisions.
Following the presentation, the House, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, dissolved into a Committee of the Whole to examine the bill clause by clause.
The motion to adopt the committee’s report was moved by the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, and seconded by the Deputy Leader, Dr Nsidibe Akata.
Subsequently, the member representing Ikono State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nnana Udo, moved the motion for the bill’s third reading.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Uruan State Constituency, Dr Itorobong Etim, paving the way for the bill’s passage.
The legislative development follows a public hearing held on October 26, during which AKISIEC and other stakeholders presented recommendations for improving the administration of grassroots elections.
Among the issues raised were the commission’s funding arrangements, tenure of its officials, election schedules, party primaries and procedures for conducting local government elections.
AKISIEC had proposed that election funding be released at least 12 months before polling to improve planning and operational preparedness.
However, the final provisions adopted by the Assembly will need to be examined to determine which stakeholder recommendations were incorporated.
Following the passage, Speaker Otong directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Nsikak-Abasi Orok, to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Umo Eno for assent.
The bill will require the governor’s assent before it can take effect as state law.
The Assembly subsequently adjourned plenary until Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The proposed changes form part of wider efforts to review electoral administration in Akwa Ibom ahead of future local government elections.
