Special News Report
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re‑Enactment) Bill 2026 into law, completing a major overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections. The signing took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, in the presence of principal officers of the National Assembly and key government officials. The bill had passed both chambers after extensive debate and consultations with political stakeholders.
The Electoral Act 2026 replaces the 2022 version and introduces comprehensive reforms affecting the administration of elections, candidate nominations, result collation, campaign financing, and dispute resolution. One of the central changes concerns the electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s central server. While electronic transmission is now formally recognised, the law provides for manual collation using official result forms in areas where technological systems fail or network coverage is unreliable. Lawmakers described this as a pragmatic compromise to balance innovation with infrastructure realities, especially in rural locations.
The law reduces the election notice period from 360 days to 300 days. Lawmakers explained that the adjustment ensures that the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections will not coincide with Ramadan, allowing for broader voter participation and smoother logistical planning.
Candidate nomination rules have been revised to strengthen internal party democracy. Political parties are now required to conduct primaries through direct voting by members rather than relying solely on delegates, ensuring wider participation in candidate selection. In the event of post-election disqualification of a candidate, courts are empowered to order fresh elections in the affected constituencies instead of automatically declaring the runner-up the winner.
The Act introduces stricter oversight of campaign financing. Political parties and candidates must submit detailed financial reports to the Independent National Electoral Commission, covering the sources and use of all campaign funds. The provision aims to increase transparency, reduce the influence of undeclared funds, and promote accountability in political campaigns.
Provisions regulating the conduct of election officials, security agencies, and observers have also been clarified. INEC is tasked with issuing operational guidelines that align with the new law, covering polling unit operations, result transmission, collation, and dispute management.
Civil society organisations and political stakeholders welcomed reforms promoting transparency and wider participation but noted concerns regarding the fallback to manual result collation. Lawmakers and electoral authorities argue that the hybrid approach ensures elections can proceed in all areas, regardless of technological limitations.
The National Forum of Former Legislators praised the swift assent of the law, noting that it provides a clear legal framework for the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to prepare adequately for the 2027 elections. Observers say the law sets the foundation for credible, orderly, and peaceful polls, provided all stakeholders adhere strictly to its provisions.
Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections are slated for March 6, 2027. The enactment of the Electoral Act 2026 establishes a comprehensive framework for the conduct of the elections and defines the responsibilities of parties, candidates, and electoral authorities.
