The National Assembly has outlined major reforms in the newly signed Electoral Act 2026, introducing mandatory electronic transmission of results, compulsory use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and digital membership registers for political parties.
The reforms are aimed at strengthening electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the law was the product of two years of consultations with stakeholders, including INEC, the Attorney-General’s office, civil society groups, and development partners.
He stressed that the legislation reflects a national consensus and was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu within 24 hours to avoid constitutional gaps before the elections.
Key Provisions
Dedicated INEC Fund: Ensures financial autonomy and mandates release of election funds at least six months before polls.
BVAS Accreditation: Presiding officers must use BVAS or approved technology to verify voters.
Electronic Transmission: Polling unit results must be transmitted electronically to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), with penalties for non-compliance.
Digital Party Registers: Parties must submit verified digital membership lists to INEC 21 days before primaries.
Sanctions and Accountability
The Act introduces tougher penalties:
Up to two years’ jail for Resident Electoral Commissioners who withhold vital documents.
Six months’ imprisonment or ₦500,000 fine for presiding officers who obstruct electronic transmission.
₦10 million fine for political parties failing to submit accurate audited returns.
Vote buying, impersonation, and result manipulation now attract up to two years’ imprisonment or fines between ₦500,000 and ₦2 million.
Party Primaries and Spending Limits
Indirect primaries have been phased out, leaving only direct and consensus methods.
Campaign spending limits were also revised:
Presidential: ₦10 billion (up from ₦5 billion).
Governorship: ₦3 billion (up from ₦1 billion).
Senate: ₦500 million (up from ₦100 million).
House of Representatives: ₦250 million (up from ₦70 million).
Inclusivity Measures
The law introduces provisions for queue separation where cultural norms require it and support mechanisms for visually impaired voters, aiming to make elections more accessible.
Bamidele said the reforms consolidate Nigeria’s electoral governance framework, enhance transparency, reduce disputes, and strengthen democratic processes. The Act is expected to guide preparations for the 2027 polls and boost public confidence in the system.
