President Tinubu Signs Key Electoral Amendment Ahead of 2027 Polls
President Bola Tinubu has given swift assent to the amended 2026 Electoral Act, a move a pro-government group says will significantly strengthen preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) noted that the President signed the legislation within 24 hours of its passage by the National Assembly, describing the speed as a demonstration of commitment to electoral reform. In a statement from its chairman, Emeka Nwankpa, and secretary, Dapo Okubanjo, the group stated that the approved amendments provide a robust legal framework for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The core changes codify technology previously used as guidelines. For the first time, the law formally recognises the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), which were deployed during the contentious 2023 elections. Crucially, the Act mandates the electronic transmission of results, with a manual backup system—specifically the physical Form EC8A—to be used only where technology fails.
“While technology is important, the onus lies on those manning the process to ensure that votes truly count,” the TMSG statement acknowledged, balancing technological advancement with human responsibility.
Among other provisions, the amendment streamlines political party primaries to either consensus or direct methods, mandates early release of funds to INEC, introduces stricter sanctions for electoral offences, and reinforces controls against over-voting. It also reduces the minimum notice period for elections from 360 to 300 days.
The group expressed confidence that these consolidated changes would enable INEC to conduct more efficient and transparent polls. It anticipates that the legal certainty surrounding result transmission and accreditation technology will help address past disputes and foster greater public trust.
The signing of the Electoral Act 2026 represents a critical step in Nigeria’s electoral cycle, providing INEC with updated operational rules over three years before the next general elections. The law’s success will largely depend on the commission’s implementation and the conduct of political actors and officials in 2027.
