The National Assembly has rolled out sweeping changes in the newly enacted Electoral Act, 2026, introducing tougher penalties for electoral misconduct and a dedicated fund to guarantee the financial independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general election.
The reforms were highlighted in Abuja by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who described the law as a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral governance framework following two years of consultations and legislative work.
One of the key provisions prescribes a mandatory two-year jail term, without the option of a fine, for any Resident Electoral Commissioner who fails to release certified electoral documents within 24 hours of request and payment.
The new law also establishes a dedicated fund for INEC under Section 3 to ensure operational stability and mandates that election funds be released at least six months before a general election.
Bamidele noted that the Act makes electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal compulsory, while any presiding officer who deliberately frustrates the process faces six months’ imprisonment, a N500,000 fine, or both.
He clarified that while electronic transmission is mandatory, the portal is designed to enhance transparency and not serve as a collation platform, adding that fallback procedures are permitted where technical challenges occur.
The legislation further strengthens penalties for vote-buying, impersonation and result manipulation, prescribing up to two years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from N500,000 to N2 million upon conviction.
In a major shift from the repealed 2022 law, the Act abolishes indirect primaries, retaining only direct and consensus options in a move lawmakers say will deepen internal party democracy and curb monetisation of delegates.
Political parties are now required to maintain digital membership registers and submit them to INEC at least 21 days before primaries, with failure to comply attracting disqualification from fielding candidates.
The spending limits for elective offices have also been significantly increased, with the presidential cap raised to N10 billion and governorship to N3 billion, among other adjustments.
President Bola Tinubu signed the harmonised bill into law shortly after its passage by both chambers of the National Assembly, completing what lawmakers described as a painstaking reform process.
While opposition parties have criticised aspects of the Act as favouring the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Senate leadership insists the reforms will enhance transparency, strengthen institutional independence and reduce post-election disputes.
According to Bamidele, the 2026 Electoral Act consolidates Nigeria’s democratic framework by reinforcing accountability, expanding technological safeguards and promoting credible elections nationwide.
