The National Assembly has introduced major reforms in the newly signed Electoral Act, 2026, including a mandatory two-year jail term for any Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) who withholds crucial electoral documents.
The law also establishes a dedicated fund to ensure the financial autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The reforms, developed after two years of legislative consultations, were highlighted by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele in Abuja.
Opposition parties have criticized some provisions, claiming the law favors the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), especially regarding primaries, campaign funding, and election timelines.
Bamidele defended the Act, citing its benefits for transparency and accountability. Key measures include the deployment of a Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, creation of an electronic voter register, and an increase in campaign spending limits for various elective offices.
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The Electoral Act also mandates the electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), with penalties for presiding officers who frustrate the process.
Section 74(1) requires RECs to release certified documents within 24 hours of request, with noncompliance attracting at least two years’ imprisonment.
The law strengthens electoral oversight, including stricter penalties for vote-buying, impersonation, and result manipulation, and phases out indirect primaries to promote broader political participation.
Political parties are required to maintain digital membership registers and submit them to INEC in advance of primaries and conventions.
Bamidele emphasized that the reforms aim to ensure INEC’s operational independence, enhance technological integration, and reinforce accountability in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“The Electoral Act, 2026, consolidates and refines the country’s electoral governance framework. It seeks to enhance electoral credibility, reduce disputes, and strengthen democratic governance,” Bamidele said.
The law also adjusts campaign spending caps, supports gender-sensitive voting arrangements, and includes measures to assist visually impaired voters.
Political parties failing to submit accurate audited returns face fines up to N10 million.
The Electoral Act, 2026, represents a significant step in Nigeria’s electoral reforms, combining stricter oversight with technological integration to ensure transparent and credible elections.
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