President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday admitted that the National Assembly might have shot itself in the foot with some provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, suggesting that lawmakers could revisit the legislation to address unintended consequences affecting members seeking re-election.

Akpabio expressed regret during the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week and the unveiling of the Third-Year Legislative Scorecard of the 10th National Assembly in Abuja.

His comments come amid complaints by some federal lawmakers who lost return tickets during recent party primaries ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

While highlighting legislative achievements of the current Assembly, the Senate President said recent political developments had exposed challenges arising from provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly during party primaries.

According to him, lawmakers appeared to have become victims of legislation they enacted.

The Senate President, however, did not specify the exact provisions of the Electoral Act that may be reviewed.

He assured lawmakers that the National Assembly would reflect on the legislation to ensure that future legislators are not placed at a disadvantage by provisions of the law.

The Senate President also used the occasion to defend the work of the 10th National Assembly, describing it as the most peaceful and productive Assembly since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

According to him, the legislature has recorded significant milestones in lawmaking, constitutional amendments and economic reforms through collaboration with the executive arm of government.

He said contrary to public perception, many legislative proposals, including the State Police Bill, underwent extensive consultations and public engagements before reaching the stage of passage.

Akpabio urged Nigerians to take a greater interest in legislative activities and read bills before criticising them on social media.

Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the 10th House had received 2,747 bills in three years, the highest volume recorded since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

According to him, out of the figure, 363 bills had been passed, while 72 had received presidential assent.

The Speaker stressed that the National Assembly Open Week was conceived as an accountability platform rather than an exercise in self-congratulation.

Also speaking, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, described transparency, inclusion and reform as essential pillars of a credible legislature.

He said the National Assembly Open Week should serve as more than a ceremonial exercise.

In his goodwill message, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, commended the National Assembly for sustaining citizen engagement initiatives but urged lawmakers to strengthen oversight of the Executive.