by George Ozalla
The Senate on Wednesday passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 after hours of clause by clause consideration, setting the stage for the harmonisation of the legislation with the House of Representatives ahead of transmission to the President for assent.
The most contentious issue during the debate was the proposal to make real time electronic transmission of polling unit results mandatory. Lawmakers rejected the amendment, opting to retain the existing legal position that allows the Independent National Electoral Commission to determine the method and timing of electronic transmission of results after votes are counted and announced at polling units. Supporters of the decision said enforcing real time upload could create logistical and legal complications in areas with poor network coverage, while opposing voices argued that it weakens transparency in the electoral process.
The Senate also approved significant changes to the electoral timetable. Under the amended law, the notice period for elections was reduced from 360 days to 180 days, while political parties are now required to submit their list of candidates to INEC not later than 90 days before the election, down from the previous 180 days. The adjustments are expected to shorten preparation time for both the electoral body and political parties, placing greater pressure on internal party primaries and planning.
In a clear move aimed at curbing electoral malpractice, lawmakers increased penalties for the unlawful possession and trading of Permanent Voter Cards, raising the fine to five million naira. However, the Senate declined to introduce a proposed long term ban for individuals convicted of vote buying and related offences, choosing instead to rely on enhanced financial penalties and custodial sentences.
The amended Act retains the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System as the approved method for voter accreditation and maintains the Permanent Voter Card as the only recognized form of voter identification at polling units. Proposals to introduce alternative electronic voter identification methods were not adopted.
Another notable provision affects post election disputes. The new law bars political parties from replacing candidates who are disqualified after an election. Where a winning candidate is later disqualified for failing to meet electoral requirements, the amended Act provides for a rerun election without the participation of the affected candidate and their sponsoring party.
The passage of the bill reflects the Senate’s effort to balance electoral credibility with operational realities, even as public debate continues over transparency, technology and trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
