The HallowMace Foundation, in collaboration with its partners, has announced the final shortlist of nominees for the 2026 National Legislative Award, marking the transition to the last stage of public voting ahead of the July ceremony.
The organization revealed the top three nominees each for the Senate and House of Representatives across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones after what it described as a rigorous and transparent selection process. The process incorporated votes from Nigerians as well as input from the National Assembly Press Corps.
According to the organisers, the finalists were selected based on their performance in lawmaking, oversight responsibilities, and constituency representation.
In the South East, Senators Enyinnaya Abariba, Victor Umeh, and Osita Izunaso made the final cut, alongside House of Representatives members Benjamin Kalu, Dominic Okafor, and Chike Okafor.
For the South South zone, Senators Seriake Dickson, Adams Oshiomhole, and Asuquo Ekpenyong were shortlisted, while Frederick Agbedi, Francis Waive, and Inombek Awaji-Abiante emerged for the House of Representatives category.
The South West finalists include Senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Solomon Olamilekan, and Abdulfattah Buhari. In the House of Representatives category, Akin Rotimi, Babajimi Benson, and Oluwole Oke were nominated.
From the North Central zone, Senators Sani Musa, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and Aliyu Wadada were selected, while Terseer Ugbor, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, and Jonathan Gaza emerged as House of Representatives nominees.
In the North East, Senators Abdul Ningi, Mohammed Monguno, and Mohammed Danjuma Goje were named finalists. The House of Representatives nominees include Laori Bitrus, Ahmadu Usman Jaha, and Bello Usman Kumo.
For the North West, the Senate nominees are Hussaini Babangida Uba, Sunday Katung, and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, while Hassan Fulata, Abdussamad Dasuki, and Sada Soli were shortlisted for the House of Representatives.
The Foundation described the nominees as the “last three standing” in each category per zone, highlighting their exceptional contributions to legislative duties and public service.
Voting for the final stage officially commenced on April 16, 2026, and will run until April 30, 2026. Members of the public are expected to vote for one Senator and one House of Representatives member from each zone. Submissions are to be made via email to the organisers.
Winners will be determined through a combination of public votes and final validation by the National Assembly Press Corps.
The National Legislative Award ceremony is scheduled to take place in July 2026, where outstanding lawmakers will be honoured for their contributions to democratic governance and national development.
The HallowMace Foundation, organisers of the award, described itself as a non-partisan body dedicated to promoting legislative excellence, accountability, and citizen engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process.
