The National Assembly has rolled out sweeping reforms in the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, introducing stricter penalties for electoral misconduct and granting greater financial independence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A key provision of the new law prescribes a mandatory two-year jail term without the option of a fine for any Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) who fails to release certified true copies of requested electoral documents within 24 hours of payment.
The reforms were outlined on Sunday in Abuja by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who described the Act as the product of two years of consultations involving stakeholders such as civil society groups, development partners, and government institutions.
The legislation was harmonised by both chambers of the National Assembly before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu, who signed it into law within 24 hours of its passage.
Among the major changes is the establishment of a dedicated fund for INEC under Section 3 to ensure financial autonomy, operational stability, and administrative continuity. The law also mandates the release of election funds at least six months before any general election.
Electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) has now been made mandatory under Section 60(3). Any presiding officer who deliberately frustrates the process faces a six-month prison term or a fine of N500,000, or both. However, the Act permits the use of Form EC8A in instances where electronic transmission fails due to technical or communication challenges, as determined by INEC.
The Act further strengthens punitive measures against vote-buying, impersonation, and result manipulation. Offenders risk up to two years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from N500,000 to N2 million upon conviction.
In a significant shift from the repealed 2022 Electoral Act, the new law abolishes indirect primaries, retaining only direct and consensus primaries in a move lawmakers say will broaden participation and curb the monetisation of party delegates. Political parties are now required to maintain a digital register of members and submit it to INEC at least 21 days before conducting primaries, congresses, or conventions.
Campaign spending limits have also been reviewed upward. The presidential cap has been raised from N5 billion to N10 billion, while governorship spending moves from N1 billion to N3 billion. Limits for National Assembly, state assembly, and local government elections were similarly increased.
Additional provisions include gender-sensitive queue arrangements where culturally required, support measures for persons with visual impairment, and a N10 million fine for political parties that fail to submit accurate audited returns within the stipulated timeframe.
Despite criticism from opposition parties who argue that aspects of the law tilt the political playing field, the Senate leadership insists the reforms are designed to enhance transparency, strengthen institutional independence, and improve electoral credibility.
Lawmakers say the Electoral Act 2026 represents a consolidation of Nigeria’s electoral framework aimed at reducing disputes and reinforcing democratic governance in the country.
