The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has rejected a proposal to prescribe a 10-year jail term for persons involved in the sale of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and has approved amendments to the electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections, legislative sources said on Tuesday.

The actions were taken during plenary before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally presents the revised timetable to the National Assembly for legislative concurrence.

The Senate debated a bill that sought to impose a 10-year custodial sentence on individuals involved in the unlawful sale of PVCs, a practice that undermines the integrity of voter registration.

Lawmakers, however, voted against the provision and removed the proposed penalty from the legislative framework before passing the amended section.

During deliberations, senators emphasised that legislative approaches to voter registration infractions should balance enforcement with citizens’ rights, and elected representatives called for alternative sanctions that address electoral malpractice without lengthy imprisonment.

The Senate also approved changes to the electoral timetable for the 2027 general elections as presented by INEC. The revised schedule was considered to align statutory requirements, administrative preparations and logistical needs ahead of polls for federal and state offices.

The amended timetable may adjust dates for key electoral processes, including party primaries, submission of nomination forms, and other pre-election activities, pending final publication by INEC.

Lawmakers noted that the National Assembly retains oversight over electoral laws and timetables to ensure conformity with constitutional provisions and operational realities.

The adjustments approved by the Senate are expected to be transmitted to the House of Representatives and the INEC chairman for completion of the statutory process.