The National Assembly on February 17 passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, introducing key amendments aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity. The bill, which emerged from emergency plenary sessions in both the Senate and House of Representatives, addresses longstanding concerns in the electoral framework but has sparked controversy, particularly over provisions for electronic transmission of results and compressed timelines.
The passage followed intense deliberations, including rowdy sessions and opposition protests, as lawmakers reconciled versions of the bill to align with practical realities like avoiding overlaps with religious observances such as Ramadan. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presided over the sessions, where a technical committee harmonized discrepancies, including a reduction in the mandatory election notice period from 360 to 300 days to facilitate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s proposed timetable for February 2027 polls.
Key Provisions and Their Implications
The bill introduces several changes to streamline operations while balancing technological advancements with Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges. Here’s a breakdown of the major updates:
| Issue | New Provision | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Timeline | Election funds must be released to INEC at least 6 months before the general election. (Previously: 12 months) | Shorter timeline may affect INEC’s financial independence and long-term planning, potentially straining preparations amid economic pressures. |
| Accepted IDs for Voter Registration | Birth Certificate, Passport, and National ID or Nigerian Passport and NIN. | Driver’s license removed from the list of documents, which could simplify verification but may disenfranchise some voters without the specified IDs. |
| Downloadable Voter Cards | Voters can download their voter card from INEC’s website. | May increase voter access and reduce disenfranchisement, boosting turnout by easing physical collection burdens. |
| Timeline for Submission of Candidates’ List | Political parties must submit candidates 120 days before election day. (Previously: 180 days) | Compressed internal party processes may affect preparation and lead to rushed nominations, impacting party dynamics. |
| Publication of Candidate List by INEC | INEC must publish the candidates’ list 60 days before the election. (Previously: 150 days) | Compresses timelines that may affect election planning and legal challenges, requiring faster judicial resolutions. |
| Electronic Transmission of Results | Electronic transmission to IReV is compulsory. However, if it fails, the physical result sheet (EC8A) becomes the primary source of collation and declaration. | Raises concerns about hierarchy and legality of electronically transmitted results, with critics fearing it creates loopholes for manipulation in areas with poor connectivity. |
| Mode of Party Primaries | Only direct primaries and consensus are recognized. Political party guidelines will regulate direct primaries not the electoral act. | Indirect primaries have been removed, which could change internal party power dynamics and promote more democratic selections within parties. |
These reforms build on the 2022 Electoral Act, which first introduced electronic elements to curb fraud, but the 2026 bill’s hybrid approach to result transmission has been a flashpoint. During the Senate’s division vote on Clause 60(3), 55 senators supported retaining the manual fallback, while 15 opposed it, leading to shouts and brief disruptions. Opposition lawmakers, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, argued that the proviso undermines transparency, echoing public outcry seen in social media campaigns like #OccupyNASS.
Background and Reactions
The bill’s journey began with INEC’s announcement of the 2027 election dates, prompting urgent amendments to prevent scheduling conflicts with Ramadan and address technical inconsistencies in the original draft. Civil society groups, such as Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria, have hailed some aspects as progressive but warned that the e-transmission clause could erode public trust if not fortified with safeguards like mandatory audits for failures.
Reactions have been mixed. Pro-government voices praise the pragmatism, noting Nigeria’s uneven infrastructure, while critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and activists, decry it as a regression that could enable rigging. Social media erupted with debates, with users on X (formerly Twitter) expressing frustration over perceived loopholes. “This is a partial win, but we need stronger laws to protect our votes,” tweeted one user amid trending hashtags.
The bill now heads to a conference committee for final harmonization between the Senate and House versions before transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent. If signed, it could mark a pivotal shift toward more efficient elections, but experts warn that implementation will be key to restoring faith in Nigeria’s democracy.
