The House of Representatives has passed the Electoral Act 2026, repealing the Electoral Act No. 13 of 2022, to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of the 2027 general elections. The legislation, cited as HB. 2479, regulates the conduct of federal, state, and Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and includes provisions aimed at enhancing electoral integrity.
The passage followed the harmonization of separate versions by the House and Senate through a Joint Conference Committee. The committee reconciled all differences between the two versions, while the House convened an emergency session to incorporate technical amendments and provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a clear statutory framework for managing election timetables.
The Electoral Act 2026 introduces several key reforms. Election funds must now be released to INEC at least one year before general elections, improving operational preparedness and reducing opportunities for undue executive influence. The statutory Notice of Election is now issued 300 days before polling day, giving the commission ample time for planning and minimizing pre-election tensions.
Candidate submission deadlines have been shortened from 180 to 120 days before election day to allow earlier resolution of intra-party disputes and pre-election litigation. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is now codified in law, strengthening safeguards against overvoting or manipulation. Electronic transmission of Form EC8A results to INEC’s Election Results Viewing Portal (IReV) is now mandatory, ensuring valid votes are accurately reflected.
The Act also enhances criminal sanctions for election violations, introducing a mandatory minimum of ten years’ imprisonment for deliberate infractions of collation procedures. IReV receives statutory recognition, reinforcing transparency and independent verification of polling unit outcomes. Additional safeguards include strengthened overvoting controls, a clarified seven-day review process for declarations made under duress, and mandatory digital membership records for political parties to prevent internal disputes.
The passage of the Electoral Act 2026 reflects the House’s commitment to providing a coherent and predictable legal framework for elections. While it may not satisfy every individual or partisan preference, it establishes a comprehensive foundation for Nigeria’s electoral system. The Act is intended to ensure a stable, transparent, and legally certain environment for the 2027 general elections and to provide a durable framework for future electoral cycles.
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