# House Committee on Electoral Matters

The House Committee on Electoral Matters is a standing committee of the House of Representatives in Nigeria. The committee is charged with overseeing the electoral process, reviewing electoral reforms, and ensuring transparency in the conduct of elections.
The committee was established to address Nigeria's need for an efficient and transparent electoral processa. Its core responsibilities include reviewing electoral laws, monitoring the operations of the INEC, and evaluating proposals for electoral reforms to enhance the credibility of Nigeria's elections.

## Formation and legal framework

The committee was officially created following the restructuring of Nigeria's legislative framework after the military regime. It was established to provide legislative oversight over the country's electoral activities, ensuring that electoral processes are transparent, credible, and accountable. This formation largely responded to the need for better management of the nation's elections, alongside growing calls for reforms in electoral processes.
The committee's legal foundation lies in the Nigerian Constitution and the electoral laws that guide the operations of the INEC and other electoral institutions. Over time, the committee has had significant influence in shaping the nation's electoral reforms, advising on amendments to existing laws and proposing new initiatives to improve the electoral process.

## Purpose and responsibilities

The House Committee on Electoral Matters is primarily responsible for:
* Overseeing the conduct of elections in Nigeria, including monitoring the operations of INEC.
* Proposing and reviewing reforms to Nigeria's electoral laws.
* Reviewing and advising on the national electoral budget and INEC's financial management.
* Investigating electoral malpractices, such as vote buying, election violence, and other irregularities.
* Ensuring the independence of electoral bodies and fostering a fair electoral process.
* Advocating for reforms that address challenges such as voter registration, electronic voting, and gender inclusivity in the electoral system.
The committee has been central to the legislative efforts aimed at ensuring that elections in Nigeria are credible and that public confidence in the electoral process is sustained.

## Leadership

As of 2025, the committee is chaired by Adebayo Balogun. The leadership of the committee is essential in steering discussions on electoral reforms, overseeing electoral activities, and ensuring that the committee fulfills its responsibilities effectively.

## Notable contributions

The committee has been involved in several significant contributions to electoral reforms and transparency. Notably, it has played a critical role in advocating for the introduction of technology in Nigeria's elections, including the use of electronic voting and biometric voter registration.
It has also spearheaded investigations into electoral fraud, ensuring that those involved in vote buying or election violence are held accountable. The committee's work extends beyond legislative functions, actively engaging with civil society organizations and international observers to ensure that electoral reforms meet global standards.

## Recent developments

In recent years, the committee has been heavily involved in discussions concerning the introduction of digital platforms for voter registration and the possibility of expanding the role of women in Nigerian politics through electoral reforms.
Additionally, the committee has worked to address electoral fraud and voter intimidation, pushing for more stringent penalties and a stronger commitment to free and fair elections. It has also been pivotal in the national conversation surrounding electoral transparency and the modernization of Nigeria's electoral laws.