The National Assembly has enacted sweeping reforms in the newly signed Electoral Act, 2026, including a two-year jail term for any Resident Electoral Commissioner who withholds critical electoral documents and the creation of a dedicated fund to guarantee the financial autonomy of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted the reforms on Sunday in Abuja, describing the law as the product of two years of legislative deliberation and consultations with key stakeholders.
The reforms come amid criticism from opposition parties, who claim that certain provisions on party primaries, campaign funding, and election timelines favour the ruling All Progressives Congress. The Presidency and the APC, however, defended the amendments as necessary steps to strengthen electoral integrity and deepen democracy.
Under the new framework, INEC is mandated to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, maintain an electronic voter register, and enforce stricter penalties for electoral offences. Section 60(3) makes electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal compulsory, while Section 60(6) prescribes a six-month jail term, a N500,000 fine, or both, for any presiding officer who deliberately frustrates electronic transmission. Bamidele clarified that the portal is a transparency tool and not a collation platform, noting that Form EC8A may be used if technical failures occur.
To address administrative bottlenecks, Section 74(1) requires Resident Electoral Commissioners to release certified copies of requested documents within 24 hours after payment. Non-compliance attracts a minimum of two years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
The Act also establishes a dedicated INEC fund, ensuring election funds are released at least six months before polls to enhance operational independence. It strengthens penalties for vote-buying, impersonation, and result manipulation, phases out indirect primaries, and retains only direct and consensus options.
Campaign spending limits have also been increased, with the presidential cap rising from N5 billion to N10 billion, along with adjustments for other elective positions. According to Bamidele, the reforms aim to enhance transparency, reduce electoral disputes, and reinforce democratic governance in Nigeria.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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